Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Royal Ploughing Ceremony
This royal ceremony employs astrology and ancient Brahman rituals to kick off the
rice-planting season. Sacred oxen are hitched to a wooden plough and part the
ground of Sanam Luang in Bangkok.
Visakha Bucha
The holy day of Visakha Bucha
(wí·săh·kà boo·chah)
falls on the 15th day of the
waxing moon in the sixth lunar month and commemorates the date of the Buddha's
birth, enlightenment and
parinibbana
(passing away). Activities are centred around
the temple.
June
In some parts of the country, the rainy season is merely an afternoon shower, leav-
ing the rest of the day for music and merriment.
Phi Ta Khon
The Buddhist holy day of Bun Phra Wet is given a Carnival makeover in Dan Sai vil-
lage in northeastern Thailand. Revellers disguise themselves in garish 'spirit' cos-
tumes and parade through the village streets wielding wooden phalluses and down-
ing rice whisky.
July
With the start of the rainy season, the religious community and attendant festivals
prepare for Buddhist Lent, a period of reflection and meditation.
Asarnha Bucha
The full moon of the eighth lunar month commemorates Buddha's first sermon dur-
ing Asarnha (also spelt Asalha) Bucha
(ah·săhn·hà boo·chah)
.
