The MakhaBucha (Magh Puja) ceremony holds great significance for Buddhists in Thailand, representing a key event in their religious calendar. Led by esteemed monks, it commemorates Lord Buddha’s teachings to his disciples.
MakhaBucha Ceremony
- Leadership: Conducted by the esteemed Somdet and other senior monks of Thailand.
- Venue Significance: Held at the venue where holy relics of Lord Buddha and his disciples, brought from India, are enshrined.
MakhaBucha Day
- Meaning: Marks Lord Buddha’s teachings to his disciples.
- Timing: Celebrated on the full moon day of the third lunar month.
- Etymology: “Makha” from Pali word “Magha” referring to the third lunar month, and “bucha” meaning “to worship.”
Cultural Significance
- First Major Religious Festival: Marks the beginning of the Buddhist calendar.
- Geographical Spread: Observed in countries like Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia, where Theravada Buddhism predominates.
Pilgrimage and Exposition
- Holy Relics: Visitors pay respects to the Holy Relics brought from India, displayed for a 26-day exposition in Thailand.
Cultural Talk
- Topic: “Thai India Friendship since Buddha till now” by Dr. Supachai Veeraphuchong.
- Location: Sanam Luang pavilion.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ):
- Who typically leads the MakhaBucha ceremony in Thailand?
- A) Government officials
- B) Senior monks, including Somdet
- C) Buddhist scholars
- D) Foreign dignitaries
- Answer: B) Senior monks, including Somdet
- When is MakhaBucha celebrated?
- A) On the first lunar month
- B) On the third lunar month
- C) On the day of the new moon
- D) On the day of the full moon of the fifth lunar month
- Answer: B) On the third lunar month
- What does the term “MakhaBucha” translate to?
- A) Celebration of teachings
- B) Full moon worship
- C) Third lunar month festivity
- D) Worshiping on the third lunar month
- Answer: D) Worshiping on the third lunar month
- Where are the holy relics displayed during MakhaBucha?
- A) Brought from Thailand
- B) Brought from Laos
- C) Brought from Cambodia
- D) Brought from India
- Answer: D) Brought from India