Magha Puja Day on 3 March 2026 is an important Buddhist holiday when devotees join major merit-making activities early in the year. The following details are noteworthy.
This year's Magha Puja falls on Tuesday, 3 March 2026 (the 15th night of the 4th lunar month). Because it is a leap month year (a year with two eighth months), religious observances are postponed by one month from their usual dates.
It is a public holiday. Tuesday, 3 March 2026, is an official public holiday; government offices will be closed.
• The Bank of Thailand has declared it a traditional holiday for financial institutions. Therefore, bank branches outside shopping malls will be closed, while those inside malls typically remain open. It is recommended to check with each branch.
Those able to take leave on Monday, 2 March, will enjoy a four-day long weekend (Saturday through Tuesday), ideal for making merit in other provinces or relaxing.
Mark your calendar for merit-making events: Magha Puja Day nationwide celebrations.
In 2026, the Ministry of Culture and temples across the country are organizing grand events under the theme of preserving traditions and the “Robe Procession of the Buddha’s Relics” as follows.
Bangkok Metropolitan Area
• Wat Arun Ratchawararam: Ceremony of the robe procession around Wat Arun's prang and candlelight procession around the giant prang, a major landmark.
• Wat Saket (Golden Mount): Participate in climbing the 'Stairway to Heaven' to perform candlelight procession and pay respects to the Buddha’s relics atop Golden Mount.
• Wat Benchamabophit Dusitvanaram: Experience the beauty of the marble ubosot on the full moon night with a serene and beautiful candlelight procession ceremony.
Central and Northern Regions
• Wat Phra Phutthachai, Saraburi province: The “Festival of Candlelight Faith” offering robes to the Buddha’s footprint, an ancient tradition rarely seen.
• Wat Phra That Hariphunchai, Lamphun province: Event to continue the legend of the two stupas, featuring almsgiving and candlelight procession in traditional Lanna style.
• Wat Phra That Cho Hae, Phrae province: The Cho Hae stupa worship tradition and “Phrae City Grand Flag Procession.”
Northeastern Region
• Phra Borommathat Nadun, Maha Sarakham province: The grand worship event at Phra Borommathat Nadun (the Buddhist center of the Northeast), including meditation practice and the largest candlelight procession in the region.
• Phra That Yaku, Kalasin province: Magha Puja festival featuring the stunning “Sea of Lanterns” with tens of thousands of lanterns decorating the ancient site.
Southern Region
• Wat Kuhapimuk (Wat Na Tham), Yala province: The “Buddhist Dharma Brings Peace” event featuring a flower Buddha procession and creative activities amid a multicultural social atmosphere.