Stunning images of Buddhists marking Makha Bucha Day — in pictures

The festival is celebrated on the full moon of the third lunar month

A Buddhist monk lights up a candle light at the Wat Phra Dhammakaya temple during a ceremony commemorating Makha Bucha Day in Pathum Thani province outside Bangkok, Thailand, March 6, 2023. REUTERS / Athit Perawongmetha TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

Makha Bucha Day is one of the holiest days in Buddhism and is celebrated on the full moon of the third lunar month. Reuters

The holiday commemorates the day when 1,250 monks gathered to be ordained by Buddha. Reuters

Wat Phra Dhammakaya temple, in Pathum Thani, hosted a large gathering of 1,000 monks with 100,000 candles. Reuters

Thousands of devotees from various countries attended the event. Getty

The event was held for the first time in person since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. Reuters

Devotees light candles at the temple. Getty

Buddhist monks circle around Wat Suthat temple in Bangkok as they commemorate Makha Bucha Day. EPA

Monks participate in a Makha Bucha Day ceremony at Wat Dhammakaya temple. Getty

Buddhist monks take part in an alms giving ceremony at Wat Dhammakaya temple. Getty

Monks take part in a chanting exercise at Wat Dhammakaya temple. Getty

Buddhist monks pray at Wat Phra Dhammakaya temple. Reuters

Hundreds of monks visited the most frequented Buddhist temples on the day. Getty

Devotees watch a live stream of a Makha Bucha Day ceremony at Wat Phra Dhammakaya temple. Getty

Buddhist monks walk around a giant statue of Buddha statue as they perform religious rites in Narathiwat, Thailand. AFP

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