Asalha Puja Day & Buddhist Lent Day in Thailand
Thailand, also known as the Land of Smiles, is a Buddhist nation that observes its festivals with grand ceremonies. The festival period lures visitors from all over the globe, and Asahna Bucha is one of its most ancient and famous festivals. Asahna Bucha, also called Asalha Puja, marks the day Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon at Benares in India over 2,500 years ago.
It is a public holiday in Thailand, and the date for this festival is determined by the waxing moon and the lunar months, which usually come in July according to the Thai lunar calendar. It is an auspicious day, and many people visit their nearest temples to commemorate the occasion.
History of Asalha Puja in Thailand
Asahna Bucha Day is the celebration of the ‘Four Noble Truths’—Dukkha, Tanha, Nibbana—and the eightfold path evangelized by Buddha after his enlightenment. This first sermon, ‘Setting the Wheel of Dhamma in motion,’ took place at Deer Park in Sarnath city, near the confluence of the Ganges and Gomti rivers in Uttar Pradesh, India.
This day observes the beginning of the Vassa, the Buddhist lent period that lasts three months and typically takes place on the first full moon of the 8th lunar month, as Buddha was born during a full moon. The importance of this day is shown when you notice that most temples are covered with carvings of deer and wheels. This sermon was held at Deer Park, and the dharma of Buddha is symbolized as a wheel.
Buddha said, ‘I teach one thing and one thing only: suffering and the end of suffering.’
The expression of this thought in the first sermon is the core of Buddha’s teachings. It links to the various perspectives people have comprehended from Buddha.
How is Asalha Puja Celebrated in Thailand?
Like many festivals in Thailand, people start Asalha Puja by visiting their local 'Wat' (temple) for merit-making ceremonies. The size and number of people observing this ceremony depend upon the size of the temple. It is a simple festival known as 'wian tian,' beginning with the monks chanting and evangelizing the first sermon while the supporters kneel and bow as suggested.
As the Asahna Bucha procedure continues, the other monks light up the temple grounds with large wax candles during the chanting. The entire sound of the 'chanting experience' enchants you to a different era, and you embrace the teachings of Buddhism.
Continuing the ritual, the monks chant and lead the followers, who hold lit candles, lotus flowers, and incense sticks, and walk around the pagoda thrice clockwise.
The final walk of the chanting monks is around a large, seated Buddha Statue while the devotees remain seated or give offerings to the temple. The different offerings can be Lenten and Phansa candles, which monks use during their retreat. Asahna Bucha Day is the one day the devotees of Buddhism in Thailand make sure they visit the temple.
Asalha Puja is celebrated in countries with Theravada Buddhist populations, such as Thailand, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Laos, and Myanmar. However, Thailand celebrates it on a large scale because Theravada Buddhism is the 'State Religion' & dominant religion (even though there is freedom of religion).
Various cities in Thailand add to their celebrations to commemorate this day. For example, in Ubon Ratchathani Province, the candlelit parade is followed by a contest for the best-designed candles and a beauty contest. Experiencing Asahna Bucha Day in Ubon Ratchathani Province is truly remarkable and memorable.
Thai people commemorate many other festivals, but this is one of the most significant. The day after Asahna Bucha Day is called 'Wan Khao Phansa' (Buddhist Lent Day), another important day that marks the start of the three-month Phansa (Lent) period.
When is Asalha Puja Held in Thailand?
Marked by the government sector, Asahna Bucha Day is a public holiday. It is an annual festival celebrated in the wet season in July on the first full moon following the Thai Lunar calendar; however, the day varies in the Gregorian Calendar. This event is one of the most important festivals in Thailand and is celebrated on a whole moon night because Buddha himself was born during a full moon.
Buddhist Lent Day-Wan Khao Phansa in Thailand
Buddhist Lent is the day after Asalha Puja. It occurs during the wet season and starts an auspicious three-month annual retreat honoured by Buddhist practitioners. Also known as "Lent Commencement Day," it is a time for spiritual renewal during which all the monks withdraw to the temple and don't leave it for the next three months.
Buddhist practitioners dedicate this time to studying and meditating within the temple grounds. It is also a public holiday, but the banks are not closed. It is also a 'no alcohol day' in Thailand. Some people abstain from eating meat or using tobacco for at least the day, if not for three months.
Thailand’s 5-day holiday period in July 2022
Asalha Puja Day and Buddhist Lent Day this year ‘2022’ fall on Wednesday (13th July) and Thursday (14th July), so the government of Thailand made Friday, 15th July, a “Bridge Holiday” to connect the weekend and create a 5-day holiday period to boost the local economy.
So, if you are in Thailand and have this 5-day holiday off work, have fun, take care, be safe, and if you get a chance, go and experience the Asalha Puja celebration firsthand.
FAQ’s
Is there another name for Buddhist Lent?
Yes, some people call Asalha Puja Day - Big Buddha Day Thailand 2022
Can alcohol be purchased during Asalha Puja Day?
Alsalha Puja Day is one of the no-alcohol days in Thailand in 2022
Are there other Thai Buddha Days in 2022
Yes, Thailand has multiple festivals surrounding Buddhism, culture, and localized cultural festivals.
What is Visakha Bucha Day?
Visakha Bucha Day: It is an essential day for Thais and Buddhists, marking the birth, enlightenment, and death of the Lord Buddha. In 2022, Visakha Bucha was on Sunday, 15th May.
What is Makha Bucha Day?
Makha Bucha is celebrated on March 6, 2022, to mark a significant gathering where Lord Buddha led his teaching to 1,250 of his first disciples.
Buddhist Holidays Thailand 2022
However, the most important Buddhist holidays are Makha Bucha Day, Visakha Bucha Day, and Asahna Bucha Day. All three are specified as public holidays in Thailand.
Alcohol Sales on Thai Buddhist Holidays
Alcohol sales are prohibited on religious holidays, from midnight to midnight (24 hours!). This includes not only the shops but also the pubs and bars.
Also, Alcohol E-commerce sales and delivery are now 100% Prohibited in Thailand.
Government Offices on Thai Buddhist Holidays
All government offices are closed on public holidays.
Songkran Festival in Thailand
The festival of Songkran falls on the 13th, 14th, and 15th of April every year.
Asahna Bucha, also called Asalha Puja, marks the day Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon at Benares in India over 2,500 years ago.
It is a public holiday in Thailand, and the date for this festival is determined by the waxing moon and the lunar months, which usually come in July according to the Thai lunar calendar. It is an auspicious day, and many people visit their nearest temples to commemorate the occasion.
Are there other Thai Buddha Days in 2022?
Yes, Thailand has multiple festivals surrounding Buddhism, culture, and localized cultural festivals.
What other types of festivals does Thailand Celebrate?
In Thailand, people celebrate festivals derived from Buddhist and Brahman beliefs and international festivals such as New Year's Eve, New Year's Day, and Chinese New Year. Thai people also have specific days that are uniquely Thai festivals, such as Children's Day, which is the second Saturday of January every year. Also, the birthday of King Maha Vajiralongkorn Rama X is a public holiday in Thailand.
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