By Itsarin Tisantia
Photos courtesy of Bangkok Post
Visakha Bucha Day, which this year falls on June 1, is one of the most important events of the year for Buddhists. It marks three important incidents in the life of the Lord Buddha, all of which happened on the same day of the year.
Read the following story to learn more about Visakha Bucha Day and local events held to mark the special occasion.
The full moon of the sixth lunar month was when the Lord Buddha was born, found enlightenment and passed away.
THREE MIRACLES
The Lord Buddha, or Prince Siddhattha, was born to King Suddhodana and Queen Siri Maha Maya in Lumbini, currently located in Nepal.
The Lord Buddha attained enlightenment by realising the four noble truths, or ariyasat si, under a Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, India.
The Lord Buddha passed away at the age of 80 under two Sal tress in Kushinagar, nowadays located in Uttar Pradesh, India.
SACRED CELEBRATIONS
Between May 30 and June 1, Chiang Rai authorities will celebrate Visakha Bucha at Suan Tung Lae Khom in Muang district. On this occasion, Buddhist pilgrims will help to cook khao thip, or Thai rice porridge, at the venue. It is a traditional sweet made of rice mixed with honey molasses, milk and peanuts.
Apart from sermons, certificates of Moral Family Awards will also be given to Chiang Rai locals who preserve the religion and strictly follow the Buddhist teachings.
HOLY FESTIVITIES
Nakhon Sri Thammarat officials and local agencies will hold the Visakha Bucha Week event to mark Visakha Bucha Day at Mahathat Worra Maha Viharn Temple and Rong Rakhorn Community Hall from May 29 to June 9. The organisers will display an exhibition related to the history of the Lord Buddha. In addition, other festivities will include an academic seminar on Buddhism, a photography contest, a ceremony to offer alms to monks and a candle procession.
Exercises
Read the story. Then, decide whether each of the following statements is true or false.
1. Khao thip is a type of Thai beverage.
……………….
2. The Visakha Bucha Week events mentioned will be held between May 26 and June 1.
……………….
3. This year’s Visakha Bucha Day falls on June 1.
……………….
4. The Lord Buddha lived for 80 years.
……………….
Vocabulary
- enlightenment (n): the action or state of attaining deep spiritual knowledge or insight
pilgrim (n): a person who travels to a holy place for religious reasons
molasses (n): a thick black sweet sticky liquid produced when sugar is refined
