The day on which Magha Puja falls is significant in Buddhist history as a day on which an important event took place in the life of the Buddha. The incident was 1250 arhat monks arriving in Veluwana Vihara in Rajagaha without prior notification to pay homage to the Lord Buddha. Each of the monks had been ordained by the Buddha himself, each monk arrived on his own initiative and it all took place on a perfect full moon day. On this day the Buddha delivered a great sermon known as the “Ovadha Patimokha”. This sermon is regarded as a foundation of philosophy and initiated the propagation of Buddhism to countries like Thailand.
On this day people visit temples, offer flowers, light joss sticks and pray to Lord Buddha. During the latter half of the day a monk delivers a sermon to devotees at the temple on a certain religious topic. Candle lit processions that see the participation of over thousands of people is seen through out the country.
In Bangkok the Thai King himself presides over the ceremonies conducted at the temple of the Emerald Buddha and later leads the procession that begins at that temple. The best places to experience the Magha Puja festival in Bangkok are the Emerald Buddha Temple and the Grand Palace. Apart from seeing the cultural value of these two institutions one also gets to experience a Thai religious festival. A Bangkok apartment that is located close to both these attractions is President Park.
