By Itsarin Tisantia
Photos courtesy of Bangkok Post
On March 4, Buddhists throughout the kingdom will gather to celebrate Makha Bucha Day, one of the most important religious holidays in Thailand.
Read the following story to learn more about Makha Bucha Day and some of this year’s planned activities.
Thailand has celebrated Makha Bucha since the reign of King Rama IV, approximately 150 years ago. Because Makha Bucha was one of the most important events in Buddhist history, King Ramv IV introduced the first celebration of Makha Bucha Day to his royal family members and courtiers. The celebration then gained popularity among his Siamese subjects and has been nurtured ever since.
LONG PROCESSION
Nakhon Sri Thammarat authorities and the Tourism Authority of Thailand will hold their annual Makha Bucha celebrations at Phra Mahathat Worramahaviharn Temple between March 1 and 4.
Locals and Buddhist pilgrims are encouraged to take part in the procession, during which a 2 kilometre-long robe will be paraded along the province’s main streets. Soldiers in classic Thai costumes will also join the procession.
MASS ORDINATIONS
Numerous temples across the country will hold mass ordination ceremonies. Asokaram Temple in Samut Prakan cordially invites both males and females to participate in the mass ordination between March 3 and 5. For reservations and further inquiries, call 02 703 9368.
Buddhists who would like to listen to sermons, attend a mass ordination and offer alms to monks can also join the Makha Bucha event at Kapang Surin Temple in Muang district of Trang on March 4. For more information, call 075 218 478.
Exercises
Specify whether each of the following words is used in the story as a verb, noun or adjective.
1. event ……………….
2. attend ……………….
3. religious ……………….
4. cordially ……………….
Vocabulary
- courtier (n): a person who is part of the court of a king or queen
subject (n): a person who has the right to belong to a particular country, especially one with a king or queen
sermon (n): a talk on a moral or religious subject, usually given by a religious leader during a service
