Buddhist Full moon festival

Buddhist Full moon festival. Thousands of Thai Buddhist monks chant during a lantern lighting to celebrate Makha Bucha day at Dhammakaya Temple in Pathum Thani province, on the outskirts of Bangkok

Buddhist Full moon festival

One of the holiest days for Thai Buddhists – Full moon festival, has begun. The beautiful festival originates from the first sermon given by Lord Buddha, when 1,250 monk disciples appeared spontaneously to hear him speak. The festival is one of the most important religious and public holidays in Thailand. And the most spectacular event is the candlelit procession where Buddhists and monks carry lighted candles, flowers and an incense stick in a clockwise direction around temples. These items represent the Three Jewels of Buddhism: the Buddha, his teachings and the monk-hood.

It is believed Makha Bucha day originates from when Lord Buddha gave a sermon to 1,250 monks who appeared before him spontaneously

To celebrate the full moon anniversary, Buddhists have been visiting temples to hear sermons and perform good deeds. The most spectacular event though, is the candlelit procession where Buddhists and monks carry a lighted candle, flowers and an incense stick in a clockwise direction around temples. These items represent the Three Jewels of Buddhism: the Buddha, his teachings and the monk-hood.