A Day of Spiritual Peace
Across the Region | 11 May 2025

Visakha Bucha Day, commemorating the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and passing, is observed on the full moon of the sixth lunar month. On this day, devotees gather at temples to offer alms and food to monks and listen to sermons. Many sit down to meditate and chant sacred texts to purify the mind.

Nightfall is the cue for devotees to join candlelit processions, walking clockwise three times around temple halls to honour the Buddha, the Dharma (his teachings) and the Sangha (monastic community). In Laos the day is referred to as Vixakha Bouxa, in Malaysia as Hari Wesak, in Singapore as Vesak, in Vietnam as Phat Dan and in Cambodia as Visak Bochea. In Thailand, alcohol sales are suspended on this sacred day to encourage a peaceful atmosphere. Visakha Bucha ceremonies at Bangkok’s Temple of the Emerald Buddha and Luang Prabang’s golden temples offer visitors the chance to experience Buddhist spirituality in its purest form.