Some 20-thousand Buddhist temples across the country held ceremonies and other events on Friday in celebration of Buddha’s Birthday.

The Supreme Patriarch of the Korean Order of Jogye Buddhism, the Most Venerable Beopjeon; the head of the Jogye Order, the Venerable Jaseung; and some ten-thousand followers attended a ceremony at the Jogye Temple in Seoul.

During the ceremony, the Venerable Jaseung said that on this day, the people should be reminded to live by Buddha's teachings and make ceaseless efforts to turn the world into a paradise by emulating Boddhisttava's compassion.

The Most Venerable Beopjeon called on the people to attain freedom from all hindrances and be reborn as a Buddha.

Culture Minister Yu In-chon read a congratulatory message from President Lee Myung-bak during the ceremony.

The event was also attended by religious leaders of Christian and Won Buddhist groups, foreign envoys, top officials of ruling and rival parties and candidates for Seoul mayor.