His Holiness the Supreme Patriarch yesterday urged Thais to do good, abstain from bad, and purify their minds on the occasion of Makha Puja Day which falls on March 1 this year.
This full-moon day of the third lunar month commemorates the Lord Buddha's first announcement to 1,250 enlightened monks - the Ovadha Patimokha discourse - laying down the principles of his teachings that could be condensed as "to do good, to abstain from bad and to purify the mind".
His Holiness urged people to observe it so that most auspicious things prevail and chaos is calmed by the power of Lord Buddha.
Religious Affairs Department chief Sod Dang-Iad said his |office had joined forces with Buddhist organisations to host Makha Bucha Day celebrations |in Bangkok and upcountry.
In the capital, the celebration is being held from yesterday until Sunday at Sanam Luang, as well as at Wat Srakesa Rajavaramahavihara from tomorrow till Sunday and at Wat Yannawa on Sunday.
Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn Valayalaksana is scheduled to preside over the Wian Thien candlelight procession at Sanam Luang on Sunday, said Sod.
The celebration activities include merit-making, Dhamma discussions, meditation and an exhibition on Buddhism, he added.
This year, 50,000 sets of holiday cards and Dhamma booklets will also be distributed to those attending the pledge of devotion to Buddhism.
The Culture Ministry has made 8,000 holiday cards for distribution to state offices and schools while public members can download or send the card to friends at www.m-culture.go.th.
