Makha Bucha around the world in 2025

Makha Bucha around the world in 2025
The Shwedagon Pagoda is a gilded stupa located in Yangon, Myanmar. Image via Deposit Photos
  How long until Makha Bucha?
Makha Bucha is in 22 days
  Dates of Makha Bucha around the world
2026 Various Mar 2, Mar 3
2025 Various Feb 12, Mar 12, Mar 13, Mar 14
2024 Various Feb 24, Feb 26, Mar 24
2023 Various Mar 5, Mar 6
2022 Various Feb 16, Mar 16
  Summary

Shortly after Buddha began his teachings, 1250 monks gathered to hear Buddha preach.

  Which countries observe Makha Bucha in 2025?
National Holiday Regional Holiday Not a public holiday Govt Holiday
  MyanmarMar 12, Mar 13, Mar 14
  ThailandFeb 12
Related holidays

When is Maka Bucha?

Maka Bucha is a public holiday in several Mekong region countries such as Cambodia and Thailand. This festival is the second most important Buddhist festival. As with most Buddhist festivals, its date depends on the Lunar cycle. The holiday may also be known as Magha Puja or Lord Buddha Day.

On this day, the full moon of the third lunar month (called Tabodwe); seven months after Buddha began his teachings, over a thousand monks gathered to hear Buddha preach.

Buddha ordained these monks and spread the principles of Buddhism. This marked a key event in the development of the religion.

45 years later, on the same full moon in the third lunar month, Buddha again delivered his teachings shortly before his death.

This third lunar month on which both events occurred is known in Buddhist Pali language as 'Makha'. 'Bucha', means to honour.

How is Maka Bucha Day celebrated?

In the morning many Thai people wake up early to give alms to monks. In the evening, temples are full of people listening to sermons. They often perform a ritual known as the candle ceremony where they walk clockwise three times around the temple. holding flowers, incense, and a lighted candle. Each of the three circuits represents one of the three jewels (ideas at the heart of Buddhism) - Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha.


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