By Itsarin Tisantia
Photos courtesy of Bangkok Post
On February 14, Buddhists throughout Thailand will celebrate Makha Bucha Day, one of the most important religious holidays in the kingdom. Many religious organisations and temples plan to commemorate this sacred day.
Read the following story to learn more about the history of Makha Bucha Day and some of this year’s planned activities.
The Land of Smiles started to celebrate Makha Bucha during the reign of King Rama IV, or about 150 years ago. King Rama IV gave significant importance to Buddhist teachings and realised that Makha Bucha was one of the most important events in Buddhist history.
His Majesty therefore introduced the first celebration of Makha Bucha Day to his royal family members and courtiers. The celebration later gained popularity among Siamese commoners and has been nurtured ever since.
PILGRIMS’ PARK
This year, Nakhon Pathom Provincial Office will arrange many activities in celebration of Makha Bucha Day at the Phutta Monthon Park in Nakhon Pahtom, from offering alms to monks at 7:30 am to showing a cultural performance at 10 am. A candle procession will take place at 4 pm.
Sermons will also be given, while locals and interested people can take part in the Buddha Image altar decoration and candelabra embellishment contests.
MINDFUL MEDITATION
Latthi Wanaram Temple in association with the Sueksa Karun Foundation in Muang district of Phuket will arrange three-day dhamma practice and mediation training from February 14 to 16.
Similarly, the Dhamma Practice Center of Thung Setthi Temple in Bangkok’s Prawet district will also hold dhamma training sessions from February 13 to 14. Besides praying and meditating, participants will hear sermons and Buddhist teachings. Anybody who is interested in this activity can call 02 728 4433.
Exercises
Read the story and decide whether the following statements are true or false.
1. Thung Setthi Temple is located in Phuket.
………………………………………………..
2. This year’s Makha Budha Day falls on February 14.
………………………………………………..
3. Thailand started to celebrate Makha Bucha during the reign of King Rama V.
………………………………………………..
4. Makha Bucha Day has been celebrated in Thailand for more than a century.
………………………………………………..
Vocabulary
- courtier (n): a person who is part of the court of a king or queen
commoner (n): a person who does not come from a royal or noble family
altar (n): a holy table in a church or temple
candelabra (n): an object with several branches for holding candles or lights
