Visakha Bucha Day in Thailand
Visaka Bucha Day (or Vesak Day) is very important in the Buddhist calendar and very important in Thailand. It commemorates the birth of Buddha, His enlightenment and His death, three events that happen on the same day in different years. This year Visaka Bucha Day is on May 20. Starting next Saturday during a week many religious ceremonies and events will be held in the country.
“Visakhabucha” is for“Visakapoonnameebucha” which means “worship of Lord Buddha” . The first ceremony of Visakha Bucha in Thailand was recorded during the Sukhothai period. During this holy day and the week before, people put religious flags (yellow flags) outside their houses, visit the temples to listen to sermons about the Dharma (Buddha’s teachings) and bring flowers , candles and incense to honor the Three Jewels: Buddha, the Dhamma (the truth) and the Sangha (the community of disciples). And after sunset, they participate in candlelight processions carrying flowers, three incense sticks and a candle and walk clockwise around the main chapel or chedi of the temple three times. It brings them prosperity and luck.
The most famous and impressive Visakha Bucha ceremony is always held a Phuttha Monthon in Nakhon Pathom province, where a huge statue of Buddha walking stands and where candlelit procession is usually led by a member of the royal family. The procession will take place on May 22. Buddhism appeared for the first in Thailand in Nakom Pathom. But there will be many events all around the kingdom, including a huge mass alms offering ceremonies. Note that if you want to participate and give offerings, you should respect the tradition and be dressed in white. In Bangkok, Sanam Luang in front of Wat Phra Kaew temple will be also hosts the event.
If you are in Chiang Mai, go to Doi Suthep. There, big offering ceremony to monks and many, many faithful praying and walking around the chedi. There will also be a procession by night ascending the Doi Suthep Mount the day before Visakha Buja. This ascension to the temple that dominates the northern capital will also be organized on the next day and takes about 3 hours. If you are there, we strongly advise you to attend to this exceptional event! And on the evening of the same day, at Wat Pan Tao in Chiang Mai city, the monks will place candles around the pond and chant prayers. These celebrations are a great opportunity to discover Buddhist rites and make great pictures.
Visaka ucha Day is of course public holiday in Thailand but don’t worry transportation will operate normally.
For more information about events in Chiang Mai, do not hesitate to ask your hotel or guesthouse in Chiang Mai or Chiang Mai TAT Office at 053-248-605 (e-mail: [email protected] )
