Asahna Bucha Holiday and Buddhist Lent

Today is a public holiday in Thailand to mark Asahna Bucha Day which commemorates the occasion on which the Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon. Tomorrow is also another important date in the Buddhist calendar with Wan Khao Phansa which is often referred to as Buddhist Lent. In Thailand, this marks the beginning of the traditional ‘rains retreat’ which lasts for three months.

Temples in Thailand will be busy today and tomorrow as local people make merit. At this time of year, some Thai people will make an effort to abstain from alcohol, meat or tobacco for at least a day if not the whole three months of the Phansa or Lent period. It is illegal for bars to serve alcohol during these two days, although that law may be conveniently overlooked in some areas. Hotels are exempt from the alcohol ban, although some may still choose not to serve alcohol at their own discretion.
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