For Buddhist-majority countries in southeast Asia like Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar, the full moon day of the third month in the lunar calendar is a sacred event, one that venerates the teachings of Buddha, a commemoration popularly known as Makha Bucha in Thailand. Among Burmese (Myanmar) Buddhists, however, the celebrations will start a week before that date, an occasion locally known as the Full Moon of Tabaung. In Cambodia, this day is referred to as the Meak Bochea Festival, while in Laos this day is called Buon Makha Bousa.
Makha Bucha 2016 will fall on Monday, February 22nd.
Origins of Makha Bucha
Makha Bucha started when 1,250 disciples came to visit Buddha without being summoned on a full moon day on the third lunar month. This congregation of disciples prompted Buddha to share his enlightenment, which he himself achieved nine months before, in an event called the “Ovādapātimokha.” Thus, on this day, the “Heart of Buddhism,” which consisted of three main principles, was laid out.
Makha refers to the name of the third month in the lunar calendar while “bucha” means “to venerate.”
The Four Observances of Makha Bucha
On this day, Buddhists are expected to perform these four devotional rituals “to cease from all evil,” “to do what is good,” and “to cleanse one’s mind.”
Wien Thien
Perhaps the more recognized aspect of the celebrations is the “wien thien” or the religious ritual of going around a temple three times in a clockwise direction bearing lighted candles, incense and flowers which are placed before Buddhist statues at the end of the evening procession. Local temples are often thronged with devotees joining the monks for a candlelit procession. The same ritual is performed in Laos, which they call “vian tian.”
Tum Boon
Every Buddhist occasion is an opportunity for the lay to make merits which could take on several forms. “Tham bun” could be performed by going to temples to listen to Dhamma teachings, donating to a local temple, or chanting the scripts in an ancient language.
Tuk Bard
“Tuk bard” is a form of making merit but one that specifically addressed to monks and novices. In a special ceremony during the Makha Bucha Day, the lay can make food offerings to individual monks who receive them in a special alms bowl.
Rub Sil
Also known as “rap sin”, this ritual involves meditative observance of keeping the Five Precepts, exercising abstinence and renunciation of material desires and refraining from immoral thoughts and acts that pollute the mind.
Makha Bucha Day Celebrations by the Government
As befits a national holiday, Makha Bucha is celebrated not only in local temples across Buddhist countries but also in the capital cities. In Thailand, for example, the Grand Palace marks the day with several events that both involve Buddhist monks and the lay. His Majesty King Bhumibol traditionally invites several monks to have breakfast in the palace, after which they chant the scripts, an event broadcast on national television.
The government also holds contests to promote the spirit of the occasion and to prompt healthy discussion of religious issues that affect day-to-day life.
Perhaps the most dramatic component of the celebration is the evening closing ceremony where thousands of monks light candles, chant scripts in temple grounds and perform the “wien thien” in major shrines.
Full Moon of Tabaung in Myanmar
In Myanmar, the Shwedagon Pagoda in former capital Yangon is the center of festivities of the Full Moon of Tabaung which usually starts a week before the day of the full moon. While in Thailand there is competition for the best performance of religious songs, in Myanmar there is competition for the best woven holy robes using only traditional looms. As is the tradition during this day, Burmese monks chant the scriptures for a full 24 hours for the entire duration of the festival.
Meak Bochea in Cambodia
Cambodian Buddhists congregate at the ancient capital of Cambodia, Oudong, 28 miles north of the current capital, Phnom Penh. Prayers are not only performed by saffron-robed monks, but also by white-robed and shaven Buddhist nuns. The devout flock to this ancient capital to make merits, like offer food to monks, light candles and burn incense, and offer lotus flowers at the Temple of Eight Points and other sacred stupas found in the ancient capital.
Alcohol Ban on Makha Bucha Day
There are several holidays in Thailand where alcohol is not served in observance of religious holidays. One of those days is Makha Bucha when consumption of alcohol is not only considered a religious violation but also a civil offense. Bars, restaurants, supermarkets, department stores, retail and convenience stores and even some hotels are prohibited from selling or serving alcohol to customers and their guests. Violation of this alcohol ban may result to imprisonment of up to six months and a steep fine (10,000 Baht as of last decree).
