Jaulian: This is the first time in the history of this region that a high-ranked Buddhist monk is visiting Buddhist holy places for a Rain Retreat Program and spreading a peace message.

The most venerable Arayawangso, the celebrated Buddhist monk from Thailand visited the World Heritage Site of Jaulian at Haripur, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa along with his 20 disciples.

He is visiting Pakistan for a three-month Rain Retreat Program usually known as the intense learning period, when monks dwell in one place during the rainy season for a three-month monastic retreat determined by the lunar calendar, where he will be doing meditation and research work at Taxila, Swat, Takht-i-Bahi and Peshawar valley.

At the end of the Rains Retreat Program, it is usually closed with a ceremony which includes chanting, donations by those who are a pet or the closing ceremony, and blessings from the monks.