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Maha Puja (Maja Puja)
February 19, - Nationwide
This important Buddhist holy day marks the auspicious day
when 1,250 of Lord Buddha's followers met spontaneously
to hear him give a sermon. Merit-making ceremonies are held
during the day at temples throughout the country, while
at night, Buddhists honour the occasion by walking around
the temple in a candlelit procession.
Songkran Festival
12-15 April - Nationwide
The traditional Thai New Year is celebrated throughout the
country. In addition to all the water throwing fun which
this festival generates, the occasion is marked with religious
ceremonies before the fun and goodwill starts. A day in
which everyone, including officials, gets wet and enjoys
the spirit of "sanuk" or fun.
Royal Ploughing
Ceremony
May 15, Bangkok
An ancient Brahman ritual, conducted at Sanam Luang, Bangkok,
to mark the official start of the rice-growing season and
predict the outcome of the next rice crop. The event concludes
a series of ceremonies conducted by a high-ranking official
from the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives who wears
colourful traditional costumes. This ceremony was re-introduced
by H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej in 1960.
Visakha Puja
May 17 - Nationwide
This is the holiest of all the auspicious Buddhist religious
days, marking the birth, enlightenment, and death of Lord
Buddha. Throughout the country, people go to temples to
listen to sermons by revered monks and make merit. Shortly
after sunset, the day is completed by candlelit procession
around the temple.
Asalha Puja
July 16 - Nationwide
The full-moon day of the eighth lunar month marks the preaching
of Lord Buddha's first sermon to his first five disciples
after attaining Enlightenment more than 2,500 years ago.
In the evening, candlelit processions take place in Buddhist
temples around the country.
Khao Phansa
(Buddhist Lent) July 17- Nationwide
This day marks the start of the Buddhist Lent or Phansa
during which monks must stay inside their temples to study
and meditate. This is also the most auspicious time for
Buddhist ordinations since it marks a period of renewed
spiritual vigour.
H. M. The Queen's Birthday Celebration
August 12 - Nationwide
To display their loyalty and to honour Her Majesty Queen
Sirikit on the occasion of her royal birthday, the Thai
people decorate their houses and public buildings. Around
Bangkok, Ratchadamnoen Avenue, the area around the Grand
Palace and other well-known locations are decorated with
coloured lights and magnificent adornments.
Thai Beer Festival
October - December - Citywide, Bangkok
Every year, Thai breweries get together to conduct a Thai
Beer Festival, which highlights barbecued food, exotic Thai
food and of course, beer. To add to this atmosphere of merriment,
there are music and cultural performances for everyone to
enjoy. Tourists can see this event, especially at the World
Trade Centre and other locations around the city.
Loy Krathong (Festival of Lights)
November 12/13 - Nationwide
Loy Krathong is held on the full-moon in November around
12th/13th and is one of the loveliest festivals in Thailand.
Traditional floats (Krathongs) decorated with flowers, incense
and candles are launched in lakes, and from seashores around
the country. The idea is send your worries floating away
and everyone, from the oldest to the youngest child, is
involved in making and floating the kratongs. Afterwards
there are local celebrations, dance competitions and concerts.
Trooping Of The Colours
December 3 - The Royal Plaza,
Bangkok
Their Majesties the King and Queen preside over this
impressive annual event, held in the Royal Plaza near the
equestrian statue of King Chulalongkorn. Dressed in colourful
uniforms, amid much pomp and ceremony, members of the elite
Royal Guards swear allegiance to the King and march past
members of the Royal Family.
H.M.The King's Birthday Celebrations
December 5 - Nationwide
H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world's longest reigning
monarch is well beloved and deeply respected by all Thais
old and young. The occasion of his royal birthday provides
his loyal subjects the opportunity to express their reverence
for him. All over the country buildings and homes are elaborately
decorated and the area around the Grand Palace is spectacularly
illuminated.
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