Asanha Bucha Day
Asanha
Bucha Day is an annual Theravada Buddhist festival, (sometimes
referred to as “Buddha’s Birthday”), which takes place
during first full moon of the 8th lunar month (Typically
July) according to the Thai lunar calendar. The
significance of the full moon and Buddhism dates back to the birth of Buddha
himself, who was born during a full moon. The event is one of the Kingdoms most important days of the
year, celebrating as it does the Buddha’s first sermon, in
which he set out to his five former associates, the doctrine that had come to
him following his enlightenment.
As with almost all Buddhist religious festivals in Thailand the day
is a time for the Thai people to participate in a variety of Buddhist
activities at the temple. It is mainly
merit-making ceremonies, such
as releasing fish and birds. Both, people will offer food and alms to monks, such as give
donations, listen to sermons, and observe the Five or Eight Precepts. Then, some practice meditation and may join others in the
practice of renunciation, by wearing white robes and staying inside the temple. In addition, they will abstain from eating meat and drinking
alcohol, such as beef, pork and beer to try to have their mind
purified. In the evening of the, Asanha Bucha Day the believers join the
Candle Light Procession, the “Wian Tian”,
where people will walk three times around a chapel in a clockwise direction,
carrying a lighted candle, joss sticks and flowers which will later be given as
an offering.
However, the day whales worship is important religious days. Which is the anchor of all mental, everyone is good about
sharing and live in a moral good.
