Pathum Thani, Thailand

Makha Bucha, also known as Māgha Pūjā or Sangha Day, is a significant Buddhist holiday primarily celebrated in Thailand, Laos and Cambodia. In this photograph, young monks gather during the yearly ceremony at the Buddhist temple Wat Dhammakaya in Thailand. A national holiday in Thailand, this sacred day falls on the full moon day of the third lunar month in the Buddhist calendar. It emphasises the Buddhist principles of virtue, mindfulness, and spiritual liberation.

The origins of Makha Bucha date back over 2,500 years. According to Buddhist scripture, on the full moon day of the third lunar month, 1,250 Arahands (enlightened disciples) came to see the Buddha. This assembly, known as the ‘Makha Bucha gathering,’ took place at Weluwan Mahawiharn Temple in Rajgir, India. During this gathering, the Buddha delivered the ‘Ovada Patimokkha’, a teaching encapsulating the essence of Buddhism: to abstain from all evil, to cultivate good, and to purify the mind.

The celebration of Makha Bucha includes various rituals and observances, including offerings of food, flowers, candles and incense, and circumambulation where devotees participate in a candlelit procession around the main shrine or stupa, known as ‘Wian Tian.’ At the Dhammakaya Temple there’s also a lantern-lighting ceremony, where around 5,000 monks gather to be ordained by the Buddha and 35,000 devotees hold lanterns.

Becoming a monk is an important rite of passage for young Thai men. Ordaining shows devotion to the Buddhist faith and respect for one’s parents. Men cannot become monks until they turn 20. They can remain monks for as long as they wish, even for just one day. Three months is more usual, although some choose to remain in monkhood for the rest of their lives.