Vimolrat Singnikorn
Pattaya residents went to the temples on February 21, Makha
Bucha Day both to make observance of this important day in the Buddhist
calendar and to make merit for Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani, who
had passed away exactly 50 days previously, on January 2. Her Royal
Highness was 84 years old.
Chonburi
Governor Pracha Taerat lights the candles to pray to the Three Gems.
People gathered at the city’s temples including Nong Or, Chonglom,
Chaimongkol, Sawangfa Pruettharam, Phothismphan and Bunkanchanaram, with
families taking their elder members and their children. Pattaya School
No 5 organized a visit by students to make merit at Wat Nong Or.
At the Pakdeephandin Hall at the King Rama V Monument in Chonburi,
Governor Pracha Taerat led deputy governors, officials, military
personnel, police officers, vendors, and members of the public in
presenting offerings of dry food and rice to 89 Buddhist monks, in a
merit making ceremony for Her Royal Highness the Princess.
During the evening, starting at about 8pm, people gathered at the
temples with lit candles, walking around the outside of the temple three
times in a ceremony known as Wien Thien. Afterwards they listened to
sermons by monks, and received holy water in blessing.
Makha Bucha Day commemorates the miraculous event when 1,250 disciples
of the Buddha, Gautama Sakayamuni, traveled to meet with the Buddha with
no prearranged agreement, at Weluwan Mahawiharn Temple in the area of
Rachakhryha, India.
Worshipping, or ‘Bucha’, occurs on the 15th Day of the waning moon of
the third lunar month, or ‘Makha’. This year the event fell on February
21.
The day gained official recognition in Thailand during the reign of King
Rama IV and became a nationally observed day with all government
institutions closing down and observing the rituals associated with
Buddhist commandments.
Devout followers participate in morning ceremonies, making merit and
listening to sermons at local temples, and later in the evening return
to the temple to perform the “wien thien ceremony” - walking three
circuits around sacred grounds, paying homage to the “Triple Gem” or the
Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. The day is observed all over Thailand.
Other countries where the Buddhist faith is predominant and where Makha
Bucha Day is officially observed as a national day include Nepal,
Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Sri Lanka and India. Other countries with
populations observing the day but in limited numbers include China,
Korea and Vietnam.
Disseminating the Buddha’s teachings and the journey to meet with the
Buddha on the 15th night of the 3rd lunar month are part of the
historical events that include the sermons and truths spoken by the
Buddha.
Having good intentions, not harming others, avoiding evil actions and
making the heart and mind pure in thought were among the truths spoken
by the Buddha. Additionally, other truths spoken by the Buddha cautioned
individual restraint in all that attracts one’s attention, to include
desiring possessions belonging to others, and exploiting others for
personal gain.
Before departing, the Buddha also referred to the people’s interest in
making merit, gaining self-esteem and a comfortable reassurance that
moral integrity exists. More importantly, having faith in the “Triple
Gem” (Phraratanatrai) was illustrated by emphasizing the importance of
avoiding drunken, irresponsible and immoral behavior, and maintaining
focus on supporting loved ones while being content in one’s existence
with friends and without selfish greed.
People make merit for Her
Royal Highness Princess Galyani.
Making merit for HRH
Princess Galyani was this year
a big part of Makha Bucha Day here.
Pattaya inhabitants, young
and old, make merit and mourn
on the 50 day anniversary of HRH Princess Galyani’s passing away.
Pattaya inhabitants gather
for the tak baht ceremony.
A few foreign guests and
residents also take part in the ceremonies.
Revered monks chant
prayers and await the presentation of alms.
Chonburi officials
presents alms to monks.
Chonburi inhabitants
present food to 89 monks.
Monks lead their followers
around
the temple during the Wien Thien ceremony.
Young girls are caught up
in the spirit of the moment.
Pattaya inhabitants light
their candles and joss sticks before performing
the Wien Thien ceremony on Makha Bucha Day.
Lighting candles and
incense to worship the Three Gems.
Walking around the temple
during the Wien Thien ceremony.
Hundreds of people pray on
the 50 day anniversary
of HRH Princess Galyani’s passing away.
Thousands of people take
part in the Makha Bucha Day activities around Pattaya.
Banglamung
district chief, Mongkol Thammakittikhun fills out marriage registrations at
Central Festival Business Center.
Kanyanat
Nachaipaeng and Paul Mearns register their marriage in Pattaya on Valentines
Day.