History of Visakha Bucha Day

               Visakha Bucha Day is considered an important international day in Buddhism. For Buddhists of all sects around the world It is a public holiday in many countries and is also an important day internationally according to resolutions of the United Nations General Assembly. Because it is the anniversary of the 3 most important events in Buddhism, namely the birth, enlightenment, and nirvana of Buddha Gotama, all 3 of these events happened at the same time. On the 15th day of the waxing moon of the 6th month or the full moon day of the month of Visakha (different years), Buddhists consider it to be a day that combines the occurrence of very miraculous events. And the worship on this day is called Visakha Bucha, an abbreviation of Visakha Purnami Bucha, meaning worship on the full moon day of the Visakha month.

History of Visakha Bucha Day in Thailand

              From evidence it is found that Visakha Bucha Day first began when Sukhothai was the capital. It is assumed that the design was received from Lanka around 420 AD by King Bhatikuraja. The King of Lanka performed the Visakha Puja ceremony as an offering to the Buddha. Since then, other kings of Lanka have continued to practice this Visakha Bucha tradition As for the dissemination into Thailand, it may be due to the Sukhothai period. Thailand has a close relationship with Lanka in Buddhism. It can be seen that many monks from Lanka traveled to spread Buddhism and bring the Vesak ceremony to be practiced in Thailand as well. which the Visakha Puja ceremony was performed in the Sukhothai period It has been recorded in the book Nang Noppamas. The meaning can be summarized as follows: When it comes to Visakha Bucha Day The King, his vassals, both at the front and within, as well as the people of Sukhothai. They will help decorate the city with flowers and light lanterns to make it look bright throughout the city for 3 days and 3 nights in order to worship the Triple Gem. while the king And the royal family also practiced precepts and performed various royal merits. When evening came, he walked along with the royal family. and the royal handmaidens, as well as all the government officials and the inner party went to the royal temple to process candles around the Buddha image As for Sukhothai people, they will keep the precepts, listen to Dhamma, offer food and alms to monks and novices. Donate to the poor Make merit to redeem animals' lives, etc.

              The importance of Visakha Bucha Day

             Visakha Bucha Day is a day to remember the day the Lord Buddha was born, attained enlightenment, and passed away, which falls on the full moon day. Visakhamas month (6th month) converges on 3 occasions:

            Friday morning, 15th day of the waxing moon, 6th lunar month, Year of the Dog, 80 years before Prince Siddhartha. He was born at Lumphini Royal Park. which is located between Kapilavastu and Devadha
         Early morning on Wednesday, the 15th day of the waxing moon, the 6th lunar month, Year of the Rooster, 45 years before the Buddhist Era, Prince Siddhartha. He attained enlightenment as Lord Buddha at the age of 35 under the shade of the Sri Maha Bodhi tree. On the bank of the Neranchara River Uruvela Senanikom Subdistrict After 6 years of ordination, today this place is called Bodh Gaya, a sub-district of Gaya city of Bihar state, India.
         After enlightenment The Lord Buddha issued a proclamation of Dhamma and Vinaya. and cared for animals for 45 years. When he was 80 years old, he passed away and passed away. On Tuesday, the 15th day of the waxing moon of the 6th lunar month, Year of the Snake, at Salavanothayaan of Malla King. Kusinara city, Malla region, currently in Kusinakara city. Uttar Pradesh India

                        Information: Ministry of Culture