Visakha Puja Day
The three most important holy days of the year for Thai Buddhists all include the word “Puja” which means to pay homage. Asanha Puja commemorates the day the Lord Buddha preached his first sermon. Makha Puja marks both the occasion when 1,350 of the Buddha’s disciples gathered without prior notice and listened to the Buddha elaborate some of his most important teachings in a sermon, As well as the day he foresaw his own death and attainment of Nibbana (Nirvana).
But the most auspicious of the three is Visakha Puja which simultaneously commemorates three important anniversaries in the life of Siddharta Gautama, The Lord Buddha, his birth, his enlightenment and his death. On Visakha Puja Day, Buddhists demonstrate their high regard for the Triple Gems of Buddhism philosophy: The Lord Buddha, the great teacher; The Dhamma, Lord Buddha’s teachings; and The Sangkha, the brotherhood of Buddhist monks.
At the first light of dawn. Visit the temples to listen to sermons by revered monks and make merit. Shortly after sunset, candle-lit processions take place at major temples throughout the country. The devout Buddhists walk three times around the principle chapel clockwise, each clasping three incense sticks, a lighted candle and lotus buds. The air is filled with burning incense and smoke from the candles as the faithful complete this most sacred of Buddhist celebrations.
Visakha Puja Day falls every year in the month of May. This year it is Tuesday 17th May 2011.