Makha Bucha Day

Makha is the 3rd lunar month and Bucha means to honor. Makha Bucha commemorates the full moon day of the 3rd lunar month when Buddha delivered his core teachings. The teachings were called Ovada Patimokkha, summarised as ‘to cease from all evil; to do good deeds; and to cleanse one’s mind.

To be more exact, that day took place 45 years before Buddhist era and exactly 9 months after Buddha achieved Enlightenment. History also says that 4 special things happened on the day

  1. It was a full moon day
  2. 1,250 Sangha (monk) spontaneously gathered at the Veluvana Temple to see Buddha.
  3. All of them were ordained by Buddha himself
  4. All of them were Arahant (enlightened)

Makha Bucha Day is a Buddhist holiday celebrated in Thailand. It is based on the Buddhist Lunar Calendar and comes in February or March on the Gregorian Calendar. The celebration is held during the third lunar month of the year because Buddha is said to have delivered certain of his teachings at this time.

In Thailand, people go to Buddhist temples on Makha Bucha Day to take part in rites and to “earn merit.” They may also abstain from alcoholic beverages, give food offerings to monks, meditate, and take part in a late-night candle procession.