Makha Bucha commemorates a day 2,500 years ago on which 1,250 arhant disciples were ordained by the Lord Buddha himself. Theravada Buddhists mark the day by abstaining from alcohol and visiting their local temples to make merit by giving gifts to resident monks.
At some temples, Buddhists perform an act called Wien Tien. During the rite they walk around the viharn (chapel) at the temple three times while holding lighted candles. On the north side of Bangkok, Phra Dhammakaya Temple usually takes the ceremony to a higher level with mass candlelight services and sermons.
In keeping with a day of abstinence, the Thai government says a nationwide ban on the purchase and consumption of alcohol will be in effect from midnight on Friday to midnight on Saturday. 12GO ASIA notes that Makha Bucha is a low-key festival and there should not be any major delays when travelling by bus, train or aeroplane.
Thai Buddhists to celebrate Makha Bucha religious holiday on Saturday
News in Asia
Buddhists in Thailand are preparing to remember one of the most important days in Buddha’s life with Makha Bucha Day. When Makha Bucha is actually celebrated depends on the cycles of the moon and in 2017 it is on Saturday 11 February.