Makha Bucha Day is one of the most significant Buddhist holidays celebrated in the predominantly Buddhist country, Thailand. The holiday is also observed in other Buddhist nations such as Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar. Makha Bucha Day, also known as Magha Puja, falls on the full moon day of the third lunar month which is typically in late February or early March. The event commemorates two significant occasions in the life of Gautama Buddha that took place nine months after his Enlightenment, both on the full moon of the third lunar month.
On this day, Buddhists across Thailand honor Buddha and his teachings. Temples across the country are filled with devotees who make merit by giving donations, practicing meditation, and following the Buddhist precepts. One of the highlights of the Makha Bucha Day celebrations is the candlelit procession that takes place in the evening. Believers gather at Buddhist temples, each carrying candles, incense sticks, and flowers, and walk around the temple's ordination hall three times, representing the Triple Gem: the Buddha, his teachings, and the Buddhist community.
Makha Bucha Day is a public holiday in Thailand and many shops, businesses, and government offices remain closed out of respect. On this day, alcohol sale is banned and entertainment venues are often subdued. The peaceful and serene atmosphere all over the country acts as a reflection of this religious holiday’s reverence to the Thais. Despite the holiday’s religious roots, Makha Bucha Day has evolved into a universal celebration of peace, harmony, and goodwill, embodying the core principles of Buddhism.