Thailand is one of beautiful tourist destinations in the world because of its beauty, finest cuisine and one of the friendliest people in the world. Along with amazing tourist sights it’s also well-known that Thailand is a Buddhist country since more than 93% of the population are Buddhists. So you can imagine that apart from beautiful beaches and mountainous viewpoints there are a huge amount of temple in Thailand where Thai people go there for traditional religious activities in every Buddhist holidays. So, today we’re going to get to know more about the special religious public holidays in Thailand.
Makha Bucha Day
This is one of Thailand’s Buddhist holidays and is held in February or March every year. Makha Bucha Day marks the coming together of 1,250 enlightened disciples of Buddha, on a full moon day without any appointment. And then they listened to Buddha’s teachings. After that all of them were ordained by Buddha himself.
In this day, Buddhists go to temples to make merit, give offerings and join candlelight processions called “Wian Tian” where people will walk three times around the holy hall of temples in a clockwise direction, carrying a lighted candle, joss sticks and flowers which will later be given as an offering to pay to Buddha.
Visakha Bucha Day
It’s held in May or June. This day represents the birth, enlightenment and passing into Nirvana of Buddha. As many Buddhish festivals in Thailand, there are Buddhist rituals at temples. Additionally, in Chiang Mai, during this day there is one famous activity that Buddhists will walk up to Wat Phra Tat Doi Suthep during the night for worshiping and showing their respects to Buddha.
Asarnha Bucha Day
This is marks the day when Buddha delivered his first sermon known as “Dhammachakkappavattanasuta which he preached to five ascetics over 2,500 years ago, as a result of them attained enlightenment and was ordained by Buddha as the first ever Buddhist monks.
It falls on the full moon day of the 8th month of lunar calendar every year, generally in July. Normally, in the evening of this day, the believers join the candlelight procession also called “Wian Tian”
Buddhist Lent Day
It marks the beginning of the annual retreat for monks as laid down by Buddha. All monks take a vow to stay in a particular place or temple for 3 months which coincides with the rainy season where the monks aren’t allowed to stay overnight anywhere else. In Thai language, we call “Khao Phansa”
During the lent period, elaborated wax candles are kept burning. In the city of Ubonratchatani, a Candle Festival is held. Following a parade of candles with amazing design and decoration. So, normally, in this day Buddhists will go to temples, make merit and give candle as an offering to monks. However, nowadays we barely use any candles because we have electricity so we give a light instead.
Wasina Rukvichai
