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Thousands of Thai monks put on a light show for Buddha as full moon festival begins
- Makha Bucha marks the first full moon day which falls on the third lunar month
- Alcohol banned for 24 hours as mark of respect for important holy day
- Buddhists visit temples to hear sermons and perform good deeds
By Steve Robson
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These beautiful images show thousands of Thai Buddhist monks gathering to carry lanterns and venerate a statue of Buddha to mark one of the holiest days of the religious calender.
Makha Bucha commemorates the full moon day which falls on the third lunar month of the year.
Though sources differ slightly, it is generally believed the festival originates from the first sermon given by Lord Buddha, nine months after his Enlightenment, when 1,250 monk disciples appeared spontaneously to hear him speak.
Thousands of Thai Buddhist monks chant during a lantern lighting to celebrate Makha Bucha day at Dhammakaya Temple in Pathum Thani province, on the outskirts of Bangkok
Makha Bucha or Magha Puja also known as the day of the Fourfold Assembly is one of the holiest days to commemorate the full moon night of the third lunar month
People walk around the Buddha Statue holding candles for prayers during Makha Bucha Day
'Makha' is the Thai word for the third lunar month while 'Bucha' means to honour or venerate.
It is believed Makha Bucha day originates from when Lord Buddha gave a sermon to 1,250 monks who appeared before him spontaneously