People who have booked flights to Thailand next month may be able to take in one of the biggest festivals in the Buddhist calendar.
Anyone who is touching down on flights to Thailand towards the end of May could find that they are in the country in time for the celebrations to mark Buddha’s birthday.
Each year, the nationwide festival of Vesak Day – which is also known as Visakha Bucha in Thailand – is held to pay tribute to the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha.
The event will take place around May 28th, with celebrations also taking place in countries such as India, Malaysia and Laos.
On Vesak Day, people will congregate around the Buddhist temples to pray and give thanks to the deity.
Monks dressed in their saffron robes will lead sermons and services throughout the day, with candlelit processions often taking place once night has fallen.
Visitors are invited to take part should they wish, or can simply watch as the worshippers go by.
It is also customary for people to clean their homes in the days leading up to the festival.
Written by Ruth Norris
