Visakha Puja Day Procession & Buddhist Merit-Making Rituals

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May 5 - 7, 2001
Wat Phra Borommathat Doi Suthep, Chaingmai.



The Visakha Puja religious ceremony marks the birth, enlightenment, and death of Lord Buddha and is the holiest of all the auspicious Buddhist events. All over the country, Thais visit the temples to listen to sermons by revered monks and make merit. Shortly after sunset, candlelit circumambulations take place around major temples.
While the ritual is observed at temples throughout the country, Visakha Puja which will be held at the Wat Phra Borommathat Doi Suthep hill - top temple on May 7 presents an opportunity to witness more elaborate aspects of this ancient Buddhist tradition.
On the eve of Visakha Puja Day, May 6, the procession departs from the Larn Kruba Srivijaya courtyard at 21:00 and makes it way along Srivijaya Road leading uphill to Wat Phra Borommathat Doi Suthep. The total journey takes approximately 9 hours in total.
Although the procession is of religious significance, the awesome spectacle of the Lanna lanterns glowing in the dark along the route leading up Doi Suthep to the temple is a remarkable aspect of Thai and Lanna cultural traditions to witness.