Today is a national holiday in Thailand to mark Visakha Puja Day*, the holiest of all the Buddhist holidays. Celebrated every year in May on the date of the full-moon, the day is often simply referred to as ‘Buddha Day’.
Visakha Puja marks the day when Prince Siddhatta Gotama was born, 35 years later became the Buddha (enlightenment) and in another 45 years passed away (nirvana). In each case, these events took place on the full-moon day in the Visakha month (usually May).
At dawn, many Thais visit temples to offer food to the monks and make merit. At dusk, candlelit processions walk around the wats. It is a day for Buddhists to express their gratitude for the Buddha’s goodness. All good Buddhists are supposed to avoid alcohol and any acts of wrong-doing. Many foreign visitors to the nightlife areas may be surprised to find lights and music turned off and no alcohol being openly sold. But like many things in Thailand, there is always more than one way of doing things and such abstinence isn’t witnessed everywhere.
As a foreign visitor you won’t be expected to follow Buddhist tradition, but you will score a lot of Brownie points if you can demonstrate some knowledge of the day, avoid alcohol and visit the temple (respectfully dressed).
*This may be written in a number of different ways including Visakaha Bucha or Visaka Buja.
