BANGKOK, July 15 (TNA) – Thai Buddhists nationwide are
gearing up for Asanha Bucha and Buddhist Lent celebrations.
Merit-making venues are being prepared ahead of Asanha
Bucha, one of the most important days in Buddhism which falls on Tuesday, the
full moon of the 8th lunar month.
Wat Phra That Phanom in Nakhon Phanom province will host
celebration activities and festival throughout this week. Thousands of Buddhist faithful are expected
to turn out to make merit and pay their respects to the highly-revered Phra
That Phanom pagoda. 
On the next day, Thai people will celebrate Buddhist Lent
Day, the first day of the waning moon of the eighth lunar month. They will offer candles to monks marking the
beginning of a three-month rain retreat.
Buddhists in Yasothon province made the final touch to their
elaborately-carved candles to be offered to monks on Wednesday.
Communities across Thailand are organizing Buddhist lent
candle ceremony consisting of candle processions. Other forms of merit-making including Dharma
practice, Buddhist preaching, Buddhist talks and a candle lighting ceremony
will also be held.
A community of durian farmers in Lablae district of
Uttaradit province prepares a unique alms-giving by offering the famous variety
of durian, Long Lablae, to monks.
Asanha Bucha Day commemorates the day Lord Buddha gave the
first sermon to his five disciples. (TNA)
