Dates for Candlelight Processions in 2026: Makha Bucha, Visakha Bucha, Asalha Bucha, and Atthami Bucha Days

The candlelight procession is one of the Buddhist rituals held on important Buddhist holy days such as Visakha Bucha and Makha Bucha, where devotees visit nearby temples to participate. This year, Dates for candlelight processions in 2026 You can check the dates and interesting information about the candlelight procession ceremonies here.

What is the candlelight procession and why is it important?

The candlelight procession is a Buddhist ritual in which participants walk around the ordination hall, vihara, Buddha statues, or sacred sites three times. This ritual is significant as it helps devotees remember the Triple Gem and reflect on the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.

Dates for candlelight processions in 2026: Plan to join the ceremonies

The candlelight procession is conducted on four major Buddhist holy days, as follows:

Makha Bucha Day (15th day of the waxing moon in the 3rd lunar month, falling on Tuesday, 3 March 2026)

Makha Bucha is an important day when the Buddha taught his disciples about his passing into final nirvana, marked by significant events such as:

• 1,250 monks gathered spontaneously without prior appointment.
• All monks present were ordained by the Buddha, known as "Ekaikabikkhu Upasampada."
• All monks were arahants (enlightened beings).
• The Buddha declared the impermanence of the body and taught the Ovada Patimokkha (fundamental Buddhist precepts).
• The assembly took place on the full moon of the third lunar month, when the Buddha delivered the “Ovada Patimokkha,” the core of Buddhist teachings.

Because four important Buddhist events occurred on this day, it is also called the "Day of the Fourfold Assembly" or "Caturokasanipat".

Visakha Bucha Day (15th day of the waxing moon in the 6th lunar month, falling on Sunday, 31 May 2026)

Visakha Bucha Day commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and passing away of the Buddha all on the same day. Key teachings emphasized on this day include gratitude, the Four Noble Truths, and mindfulness.

Asalha Bucha Day (15th day of the waxing moon in the 8th lunar month, falling on Wednesday, 29 July 2026)

Asalha Bucha Day marks the day when the Buddha delivered his first sermon, the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta, to the group of five ascetics. Among them, Kondañña attained the first stage of enlightenment and became the first noble disciple ordained in Buddhism.

Atthami Bucha Day (8th day of the waning moon in the 6th lunar month, falling on Monday, 8 June 2026)

Atthami Bucha Day is an important day commemorating the cremation of the Buddha’s body eight days after his passing. Although significant, some temples do not hold religious ceremonies or candlelight processions on this day.

Note that there are no candlelight procession ceremonies on the days marking the beginning and end of Buddhist Lent (Khao Phansa and Ok Phansa). Instead, other religious activities such as merit-making, almsgiving, chanting, meditation, and moral observance are held.

What items should be prepared for the candlelight procession?

Participants should prepare flowers, three incense sticks, and one candle. If it is inconvenient to bring flowers like marigolds, lotuses, or orchids, garlands offered to the Buddha or home-grown flowers are also acceptable.

Which direction to walk during the procession and what are the proper procedures?

The candlelight procession involves walking three times clockwise around the sacred site. Participants usually bathe and cleanse themselves beforehand, maintain a joyful mind, dress respectfully, and upon arrival at the temple, pay respects to the principal Buddha image in the ordination hall. During the procession, one must maintain composure in body, speech, and mind, keep a respectful distance from others, and be careful not to let incense or candles touch anyone.

Distribution of short chants for the three rounds of the candlelight procession

After lighting the incense, candle, and preparing flowers, begin walking clockwise, chanting the following:

First round: Reflect on the qualities of the Buddha.

“Itipi so bhagava arahant sammasambuddho vijjacaranasampanno sugato lokavidu anuttaro purisadammasarathi sattha devamanussanam buddho bhagavati”

Second round: Reflect on the qualities of the Dharma.

“Svakkhato bhagavata dhammo sanditthiko akaliko ehipassiko opanayiko paccattam veditabbo vinnuhiti*”
(Note: In Pali, the letter 'h' in 'vinnuhiti' is silent; it is pronounced with a soft 'h' sound similar to an owl's call.)

Third round: Reflect on the qualities of the Sangha.

“Supatipanno bhagavato savakasangho usupatipanno bhagavato savakasangho nyayapatipanno bhagavato savakasangho samijipatipanno bhagavato savakasangho yatita cattari purisayugani attha purisapukkala esa bhagavato savakasangho ahuneyyo pahuneyyo takkineyo anjalikaraṇiyo anuttaraṃ puññakkhettaṃ lokassāti”

After completing the three rounds, offer the flowers to the Buddha image or place them inside the ordination hall to conclude the ceremony.

Merits of participating in candlelight processions on important Buddhist days

The candlelight procession is a form of merit-making, with benefits including:

• Increased calmness in body, speech, and mind.
• Accumulating merit and spiritual development for oneself.
• Awareness of the cycle of rebirth and understanding of samsara.
• Calmness leads to concentration and eventually wisdom.

On major Buddhist holidays, besides making merit and almsgiving, candlelight processions take place from evening until night. Participants can prepare lotus flowers to accumulate merit, based on the information above. Dates for candlelight processions in 2026 as provided by Thairath Online.

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