Makha Bucha Day is one of the most sacred and widely observed Buddhist holidays in Thailand, commemorating a pivotal moment in the life of the Buddha. While its spiritual origins date back over 2,500 years, its recognition as a public holiday in Thailand has a distinct historical development tied to royal religious reforms and the promotion of Buddhist unity.

When is Makha Bucha Day?

Makha Bucha Day is observed on the full moon of the third lunar month, usually falling in February or early March each year.

The following is the list of Makha Bucha Day from 2020 to 2049.

The History of Makha Bucha Day in Thailand?

In the mid-19th century, King Rama IV (reigned 1851–1868), a former monk and respected Buddhist scholar, recognized the importance of Makha Bucha.

He formalized its observance at Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) in Bangkok as part of his efforts to promote Buddhist education and religious reform.

Rama IV introduced lunar-based religious observances to align temple activities with important Buddhist events like Makha Bucha and Visakha Bucha.

In 1913, during the reign of King Rama VI, Makha Bucha Day was officially declared a public holiday.

It became one of Thailand's core Buddhist observances, along with Visakha Bucha (Buddha's birth, enlightenment and death) and Asalha Bucha (first sermon).