"Makha Bucha Week" organised in Bangkok

BANGKOK, February 16 (TNA) - The Thai government, through the Ministry of Culture, and many other religious and private agencies jointly organise the "Makha Bucha Week" this year to commemorate an auspicious occasion on a full moon day over 2,500 years ago when the Lord Buddha preached the principles of the Buddhism to 1,250 Arahants who were ordained by him and were gathering without any appointment. During the "Makha Bucha Week", held at Sanam Luang ceremonial ground in Bangkok from February 16-22, international visitors are welcome to worship the relics of the Lord Buddha and to make merits, including walking triple around the Lord Buddha's relics. Besides, the Department of Religious Affairs, under the Ministry of Culture, has organised a replica of a Buddhist ground where the Makha Bucha event took place in the past for international visitors to learn on the past sacred occasion. Makha Bucha 2016 falls on February 22. (TNA)