In Thailand, Lord Buddha's birthday or Visakha Bucha Day is going to be celebrated on May 19, 2021. It is festival of great significance since on this day the Buddha was born; he attained Enlightenment (nirvana), as well as Parinirvana (nirvana after passing away) .
It is a tradition among many followers to dress in white clothes and partake kheer / rice pudding since a woman named Sujata once offered Gautam Buddha kheer on his birthday.
In Thailand, the 'dharmachakra' or dharma wheel in the form of wooden wheel with eight spokes, symbolizing the noble eight-fold path of Buddhism, is displayed during Vesak. Also, people hang out yellow Buddhist flags to spread the message of peace and compassion.
On the Visakha Bucha Day Thais visit Buddhist temples and the sticking of gold leaf on the statues of Buddha is undertaken.
Special ceremonies are held at ‘Wat Phra Kaew’ temple which houses the Emerald Buddha and Sanam Luang. Religious ceremonies include the sticking of gold leaf on the statues of Buddha.
Wat Phra Kaew (Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram) is the most sacred Buddhist temple in Bangkok of Thailand. It is located at the Grand Palace premises with the statue of the Emerald Buddha - venerated as the palladium of Thailand.
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