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Visakha Bucha or Vesak is one of most important annual events among Buddhists in Thailand as it commemorates Gautama Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and ‘parinirvana’. According to Theravada Buddhist teachings these three events took place on the first full moon day in the 6th lunar month of Wisaka. This is one of the busiest days in Bangkok despite everything being shut down as Buddhists come to take part in public religious events and to be with family and friends. On this day the city’s Governor leads the people in giving alms to monks, Buddha relics are moved from the Grand Palace so that people can pay homage and members of the Thai royal family join the people to commemorate the event. Citadenes Sukhumvit 8 Bangkok, adjacent to the city’s main street, offers the ideal location from which to participate in religious activities.

Traditional Thai religious rituals are observed throughout the day. These include visiting temples at sun rise to participate in the first prayers of the day and to offer flowers and fruit, light candles and joss sticks in front of Buddha statues and to listen to sermons. Some spend the whole day at the temple clad in white, meditating and listening to sermons while others carry out various merit making activities. In the evenings candle lit processions wind their way to temples and devotees walk round the temple stupa three times to celebrate the three jewels of Buddhism, the Buddha, Dhamma and the Sangha. Devout Buddhists will not only observe the five precepts on this day but will add another three, not eating after the mid day meal, not wearing brightly coloured garments, jewellery and perfume and not using soft chairs and beds. In fact devout Buddhists can be identified easily as they will be dressed simply, all in white. Thai temples that are the focus of the celebrations buzz with activity. All are decorated with Buddhist flags, bunting, and various combinations of coloured electric lights. Visitors to the city can avail of the excellent services and amenities at Citadenes Sukhumvit 8 serviced accommodation Bangkok on this busy day.

Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+

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