Visakha Bucha Day is one of the most important Buddhist holidays in the Thai calendar and this year it takes place on May 29, 2018.

It is important as it was the day of three important incidents that occurred during the life of Lord Buddha. They all happened on full moon of the sixth lunar month.

The three significant separate events were

•   The Buddha was born on this day, when he was born into a royal family in what is now Nepal.
•   The Buddha achieved “The Enlightenment” (NIRVANA) on the same day
•   He passed away on this day at age 80 in India

What to do on Visakha Bucha Day’s

Going to temple giving food to the Monks in the morning and in the evening taking part in the procession where each person carries flowers, three glowing incense sticks and a lighted candle circumambulates the main chapel three times,  and listening to Dhamma teaching, and Keeping the Five or Eight precepts.

One final note: In 1999 the United Nations unanimously resolved to declare Visakha Bucha day an international day

Famous place in Bangkok to visit on Visakha Bucha Day

• Pop down to Sanum Luang
• Visit the Golden Mount
• Take a trip out of town to Phutthamonton

Golden Mount

Phutthamonton

Visakha Bucha Day around the world

Lighting sky lanterns

There are also some other countries where they celebrate on Visakha Bucha Day such as Singapore, Mongolia and India but there is something different. Thai people walk around the main chapel three times but majority Singaporean, Mongolian, Indian fly sky lanterns. 

However Celebrating Visakha Bucha day also means making special efforts to bring happiness to the unfortunate like the aged, the handicapped and the sick. To this day, Buddhists will distribute gifts in cash and kind to various charitable homes throughout the country.