Today is Makha Bucha Day, one of the most important holidays on Thailand’s Lunar Calendar. It commemorates 2 importants dates in the development of Buddhism, which occurred exactly 45 years apart.
Makha Bucha Day is one of the most important holidays in Thailand. Makha Bucha takes place on the full moon of the 3rd month on the Lunar Calendar.
On this day, Thais wake up early to give alms to Buddhist monks. They go to temples to to listen to sermons. And they walk clockwise 3 times around temples, holding flowers, incense, and lighted candles.
Makha Bucha Day dates back more than 2,500 years. Seven months after Buddha began his teachings, 1,250 monks gathered to her him preach. On the same day 45 years later, Buddha again delivered his teachings. He died shortly thereafter.
Makha Bucha Day commemorates these 2 auspitious events. It is an official holiday in Thailand, with most offices and schools closing for the day
The holiday is also celebrated in Burma, Cambodia, and Laos – but the dates mights vary.