Makha Bucha Day dedicated to the King

Devout Buddhists across the country are observing Makha Bucha Day today by attending merit-making events, with much of the merit being earned on behalf of His Majesty the King.

Bangkok Governor Pol General Aswin Kwanmuang presided at a morning ritual in which alms were distributed to 67 monks.

Activities continue until 9pm in Khon Muang Plaza in front of the City Hall, under the auspices of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, Assembly of Buddhist Organisations of Thailand Association and National Office of Buddhism.

They include a Buddhism Propagation Festival that Her Royal Highness Princess Soamsawali officially opened at 10am. In the evening there will be a solemn candlelight procession circling three times around Buddha relics temporarily enshrined at the centre of the plaza.

Makha Bucha Day commemorates the Fourfold Assembly of 1,250 enlightened monks (arhat) that took place more than 2,500 years ago. All of the monks, who had been ordained personally by Lord Buddha, met spontaneously, with no prior scheduling, beneath the first full moon of March (the month of Makha). The Buddha addressed them, pronouncing the Ovat Patimok:

“Do good, avoid evil and maintain the purity of your soul.”