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Tuesday, May 13 is
Visakha Bucha Day
Banks and government offices closed
Tuesday, May 13, 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 2,557 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.
In the 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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