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Today (Friday) is Visakha Bucha Day
Banks and government offices closed
Friday, May 24, is one of the most venerated holidays on
the Buddhist calendar: Visakha Bucha Day. This Buddhist Holy Day marks the
beginning of the Buddhist Era 2,553 years ago, and celebrates the miracle of
the Buddha being born, reaching enlightenment and passing away and achieving
final release from the circle of rebirth, all on the same date.
Devout Buddhists participate in ceremonies at nearby temples, making merit
in the morning by bringing alms to monks and listening to sermons. Later
this evening devotees will continue assembling at temples to conduct the
“Wien Thien” ceremony, walking around sacred temple grounds three times
holding candles, joss sticks and flowers honoring the Buddha, the Dharma
(Buddha’s teachings) and the Sangha (the Buddhist Monastic Order).
For this holiday, killing any kind of animal and drinking alcohol or
intoxicating substances is forbidden for 3 days. Wats are to be adorned with
lanterns, flowers and joss sticks as symbols of worship, and fireworks will
be lit for three days to celebrate.
Banks and government offices are closed for this holiday. However, some bank
branches in shopping malls may be open to cater to foreign exchange, and
most exchange booths throughout the city will be open.
The law now prohibits the sale of alcohol on Makha Bucha Day, Visakha Bucha
Day, Asalaha Bucha Day and Buddhist Lent holidays; therefore all bars and
entertainment venues close for the day.
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