The Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism has canceled a joint Buddhist rite with North Korea just one week ahead of Buddha’s Birthday.

The Jogye order originally planned to hold a joint rite on Wednesday with the North Korean Buddhist Federation at Singye Temple in Mount Geumgang.

A Jogye order official said on Tuesday that the joint event was canceled due to the government’s disapproval. However, the official added that if the government permits Jogye officials’ trip to the North, they will visit just to deliver relief supplies, including anthelmintics.