Makha Bucha is one of the most important religious festivals celebrated in Thailand, and is done to venerate the teachings of Buddha. In 2013, Thailand will celebrate this public holiday on the 25th of February which falls on the full moon day of the third month in the lunar calendar. “Makha” is the Thai word for the third Lunar month, while “bucha” means to honor or to venerate.
History of Makha Bucha
(Photo by Sacca)
Several different sources cite the origins of this day to certain events that occurred in the Buddha’s lifetime. Just nine months after his Enlightenment, 1,250 monks came to see the Buddha without a preset schedule. This gathering gave the Buddha the opportunity to teach them the “Ovādapātimokha” or the principles of Buddhism: do what is good, cease all evil and purify the mind.
In Thailand, these teachings are known as the “Heart of Buddhism”. This gathering occurred on the full moon during the third lunar month.
Another event celebrated during this day occurred 45 years later, shortly before the end of the Buddha’s life. Here, the Buddha gave his final teachings and achieved the final Nirvana or “Parinibbhana” where his spirit or mind is separated from the physical body. This also happened on the full moon day of the the third lunar month.
Makha Bucha Activities
Makha Bucha day is a highly religious festival, one that is strongly observed throughout the country. Buddhists visit temples to pay their respects to the Buddha. Many hear sermons and the teachings of the Buddha, while others use this day to build up their merit by doing good deeds and participating in special events (tum boon). There are also other activities that are slated for this occasion.
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Candle Light Procession in Bangkok (Photo by Taiger808)
This is a candlelit procession that is held on the eve of Makha Bucha in various temples around Thailand. Monks and other devotees circle these temples in a clockwise direction and carry with them three items: a lighted candle, flowers and a lighted incense stick. These items represent the Three Jewels of Buddhism: the Buddha, his teachings or the Dhamma, and the monkhood or Sangha.
Keeping the Five Precepts
This practice is known as rub sil. This is considered as the basic code of ethics for Buddhism, and many devotees try to follow them as much as they can. These five precepts are:
- To abstain from harming any living thing;
- To abstain from stealing;
- To abstain from all intoxicants;
- To abstain from backbiting, gossip, intrigue, and from telling lies
- To abstain from sexual immorality
Additionally, several other principles are followed by different Buddhist practices and the wording of each principle varies on tradition.
Celebrations with the Thai King
The King and Head of State of Thailand participates in special ceremonies for Makha Bucha. Some thirty monks are invited to have breakfast at the royal palace, after which they pray and chant mantras of the Buddha’s teachings. Candles of the same number of monks who visited the Buddha all those years ago are lit by the King shortly after. Often, these ceremonies are aired live on television for the faithful to see.
No Alcohol
Tourists should note that while many restaurants and dining establishments around Thailand will be open during Makha Bucha, they most likely will not serve alcoholic beverages. Most bars will also be closed at this time.
State and government office operations are also closed on Makha Bucha day.
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Isn’t Makha Bucha on Feb.25 this year? Will Grand Palace be closed for the public?
Hi Kari-Lill,
Thank you for your comment. According to the Government Public Relation’s Department, the date of the Makha Bucha is February 25. Earlier reports may have set it as March 11 based on last year’s date. Change will be made to the article to reflect the correct data.
The Grand Palace is open on Makha Bucha, as are most of the tourist attractions and shops. As noted in the article, establishments will not serve alcoholic drinks on that day.