Visakha Bucha in Thailand

Visakha Bucha Day is a significant Buddhist holiday in Thailand, which falls on the full moon of the sixth lunar month. This day commemorates three key events in the life of Gautama Buddha - his birth, enlightenment, and passing away (Parinirvana).

History:

• Birth: Siddhartha Gautama was born into a royal family in Lumbini, now modern-day Nepal.
• Enlightenment: Siddhartha achieved enlightenment under the Bodhi tree and became known as the Buddha or "The Enlightened One."
• Parinirvana: The Buddha's death at Kushinagar, which marked his final passing from this world.

All three events are believed to have happened on the same day of the year but many years apart.

Traditions:

• Merit-Making: Thais engage in merit-making activities at temples, such as giving alms to monks and offering food.
• Temple Visits: People visit local temples to pray and listen to sermons.
• Circumambulation: Devotees participate in 'Wien Tien', where they walk three times around a temple's main shrine holding candles, incense, and lotus flowers.
• Observing The Five Precepts: Many Buddhists observe the Five Precepts more strictly on this day.

Activities:

On Visakha Bucha Day, Thai Buddhists perform various religious activities that reflect their devotion and belief. Government offices, schools, and some businesses are closed to allow for participation in these practices. The sale of alcohol is also prohibited throughout the country.