Buddhist marked the anniversary of the religion’s three seminal events and prepared for Buddhist Lent on Asalaha Bucha Day.
Temples buzzed while Walking Street fell silent, as alcohol was outlawed July 16-17.
From early morning, believers dressed in white made merit by going to temples for special ceremonies, offering dried food and rice to monks and novices, listening to dharma and doing good deeds.
The faithful swarming Khao Saothongtong, Sutthawat, Nong Or, Boonsamphan and other temples also gave lent candles and fluorescent lamps as alms offerings.
Tourists also joined in the festivities, paying respect with flowers, incense, candles and cash donations.
Asalaha Bucha falls on the 15th night of the full moon during the eighth month of the Buddhist lunar calendar. It’s deemed a holy day because of three important events occurring on the day: the first sermon given by the Buddha, called the “Dharmachakapavattama Sutta” concerning the “Four Noble Truths” presented to the Buddha’s first five disciples; the birth of Buddhism; and the Sangha, or the ordination of the first Buddhist monk.
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