Millions of Thai Buddhists yesterday took part in candlelight circumambulation ceremonies at temples and grand Buddha images across the country to mark Makha Bucha Day.
At the Buddha Monthol complex in Nakhon Pathom, where the official and symbolic ceremony is held annually, Privy Councillor presided over the circumambulation ceremony among a large crowd of Buddhists.
Bangkok governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra led an alms giving ceremony yesterday early morning at Sanam Luang, where 108 monks received alms from Buddhists. Another major alms-giving ceremony was held at Wat Sa Ket where 99 monks took part.
In Muslim-dominated areas in Narathiwat's Ba Choh district where insurgent attacks are frequent, around 100 Buddhist residents took part in the ceremony during lunch time, to minimise the risks of violence, amidst tight security. Most circumambulation ceremonies are held in evening hours or at dusk.
At the Na Doon Holy Relics Pagoda complex in Maha Sarakham province in the Northeast, tens of thousands of local Buddhists and those travelling from other provinces took part in a grand ceremony.
Makha Bucha Day is an important religious festival celebrated by Buddhists in Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos on the full moon day of the third lunar month. The day has been observed along with traditional circumambulation ceremonies for centuries in all the countries.
