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The annual calendar in Thailand is marked by numerous Buddhist festivals and events, national and local. Here are some of the more important ones.

Tak Bhat – offering alms to monks.
This is the most common Buddhist activity in the country, with millions of Thai Budhists coming out in the early morning to stand in front of their home and wait for the passing of Buddhist monks. The monks come one at a time, in small groups, or, from some monasteries, in long lines.

The monks come to a stop in front of the waiting faithful, who then place food in the monks bowl – an act of merit that all good Buddhists love the opportunity to make. Hardly an act of begging by the monks, as it is sometimes called, the monks also give people the opportunity to do a meritorious deed, ensuring both parties benefit.

After placing food in the monks alms bowl, the giver then shows respect to the monks with the Thai ‘wei’ greeting. In some parts of the country they also kneel. Often the monk chants a small mantra as a form of blessing, then quietly walks his way. Normally, no words pass between them during this solemn but happy, everyday ceremony.

Buat Phra – Entering the Monkhood
This is a very common, yet vitally important, ceremony marking an important phase in the life of a Thai man. Traditionally every Thai man entered the monkhood at least once in his lifetime, preferably when still young and single. There were times when a man would find his chances of marriage more difficult if he had not undergone this enriching experience in the orange robes.
 

Related Stories:

Taking the Vows: A Part of Life – Francis Hill looks at the ordination of monks in Thailand. Phuket Magazine Vol 8 No 1 Page 36

The Story Behind The Buddha Image – Steve Van Beek looks at the history of casting the Buddha image in brass. Phuket Magazine Vol 3 No 1 Page 20

Seeking Enlightenment in the Tiger Cave – Chris Miller visits Wat Tham Sua on Ao Luk Mountain in Krabi. Phuket Magazine Vol 2 No 5 Page 9

 

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