Buddhists in Thailand Celebrate Asanha Bucha and Lent Day

Buddhists in Thailand Celebrate Asanha Bucha and Lent Day

Buddhists across Thailand gave offerings to local temples as they celebrated Asanha Bucha Day on Monday, July 18 and their religion's version of Lent on Tuesday, July 19.

The Asanha Bucha holiday falls every year on the full moon of the eighth lunar month. It is the day that Buddhism was established when the Buddha established gave his first sermon to five disciples after attaining Nirvana in the Maruekhathayawan forest in India more than 2,500 years ago.

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Buddhism's Lent Day, which falls the day after Asanha Bucha, marks the beginning of Buddhist monks' three-month retreat to their temples during the rainy season.

Migrant workers from Myanmar offer donations at Wat Saket, July 19, 2016. Image source: (Pimuk Rakkanam/BenarNews)

In Narathiwat, a predominantly Muslim province in Thailand's Deep South that is in the throes of a separatist insurgency, Buddhists offered alms in the morning at Khao Kong Park temple in Sri Sakhon district. Soldiers from the 9th Ranger Task Force and villagers attended the religious ceremony, carrying Lenten candles as part of the tradition.

Buddhist monks receive offerings at Wat Khao Kong park in Narathiwat province, July 19, 2016. Image source: Rapee Mama/BenarNews

In nearby Yala province, teachers and students from a local school offered phansa candles to monks. Traditionally, candles are given to the monks for use during their retreat.

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In the Deep South, a traditional candlelight procession was held during the daylight hours for security reasons.

Teachers and students from a local school offer phansa candles to monks at Wangmai temple in Betong district, Yala province, July 18, 2016. Image source: Nasueroh/ BenarNews

In Bangkok, Buddhists from Myanmar who work in Thailand joined Thai Buddhists during festivities at the famous Golden Mountain Chedi, at the Wat Saket temple.

"This is a sacred place, you can wish for anything," Nopeh, a Karen woman told BenarNews, referring to the Golden Mountain, which she visits at least once a year. (Benar News)

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