| With its cascading paddy fields, lush mountain ranges | | | | engage in pious activities and religious observances. |
| and sky-scraping metropolises, Thailand is truly a | | | | Finding its origins in 2500 years of history, the day |
| culmination of the best that Asia has to offer. Home to | | | | commemorates Lord Buddha’s teachings of |
| a diverse community of peoples that are as | | | | abstaining from all evil, doing what affords merit and |
| welcoming as its landscapes, it rightly deserves its | | | | cleansing one’s mind. The morning hours of the |
| reputation as one of the region’s premier holiday | | | | Magha Puja Day is devoted to frequenting temples |
| destinations. You haven’t seen Asia if you | | | | and performing certain rites and activities while the |
| haven’t been to Thailand for it is a land of culture, | | | | evening sees the candle-lit procession of "Wien Thien" |
| heritage and a rich religious legacy; it is also a land of | | | | when Buddhist priests and devotees each carry a |
| festivals and nowhere are the public holidays more | | | | bouquet of flowers, three incense sticks and candles |
| vibrantly celebrated than in its capital Bangkok. | | | | and circle the central shrine three times. This signifies |
| The Thai calendar can be described as one that is | | | | a tribute to what Buddhists call the Triple Gem. |
| chockfull of religious red letter days and colourful | | | | Silas are also popular during this time of the year as |
| festivities. Some of the most anticipated events of the | | | | Buddhists flock to the temple to devote an entire day |
| year include the River of Kings festival, Makha Bucha | | | | to the teachings of Lord Buddha and bring his |
| Day, Songkran, Chakri Day and Loy Krathong with its | | | | teachings closer to their own lives. Providing alms is |
| bright candles and many more. But locals and | | | | another venerated activity as the act of giving and |
| seasoned visitors alike agree that there’s none | | | | selfless generosity is deemed a key characteristic in |
| quite like Magha Puja Day in Bangkok. Modestly clad | | | | any pious Buddhist. Specially prepared alms are served |
| Buddhists pay homage to the philosophies of Buddhism | | | | to monks and fellow worshipers in an effort to earn |
| in what can be described as one of the most spiritually | | | | merit and goodwill. |
| rich experiences one can hope to gain while in Asia. | | | | The day is also one full of contemplation and |
| Taking place annually during one of the most | | | | meditation as all material concerns are abandoned for |
| auspicious periods in the Buddhist calendar, the Magha | | | | spiritual oneness with the mind. Bhavana or meditation |
| Puja usually occurs on the third full moon on the third | | | | on one’s own soul and its salvation is a key |
| lunar month, usually in the month of February. | | | | ingredient in the journey towards enlightenment that all |
| Declared a national public holiday, this Puja is unique to | | | | Buddhists hope to achieve. |
| Laos and Thailand as the faithful flock to temples to | | | | |