Temples throughout the country mark Asarnha Bucha and Khao Phansa with sermons and the donation of alms to monks. In cities such as Ubon Ratchathani, rites in which Buddhists join parades and bring giant, carved candles to temples are a peerless sight.
When Asarnha Bucha and Khao Phansa are celebrated varies from year to year as it is timed to coincide with the full moon. Asarnha Bucha is the day before the full moon and remembers the day more than two millennia ago on which Buddha gave his first sermon.
Bars and shops in Thailand are prohibited from selling alcohol on both religious holidays. Monday is a substitute day for the Asarnha Bucha Day public holiday and so banks and government offices will be shut for the day too.
12GO ASIA notes that the long break gives Thai people the opportunity of taking trips. This means motorways and public transport are expected to be busy. 12GO ASIA’s convenient reservations portal gives you the chance of reserving tickets for travel on aeroplanes, trains, buses and ferries right now.
Thailand prepares for two day religious holiday
News in Asia
Thailand will celebrate two of its most important annual religious holidays this weekend. Saturday is Asarnha Bucha Day and will be followed on Sunday by Khao Phansa. The latter is the first day of the three-month-long Buddhist Lent.