Join the grand merit-making on Visakha Bucha Day 2026 by offering "Khom Tra" lanterns and candles to venerate the Emerald Buddha, an ancient tradition carried forward to modern times.
Visakha Bucha Day 2026 falls on Sunday, 31 May 2026. Since it coincides with a weekend Sunday, a substitute holiday has been declared as follows.
Sunday, 31 May 2026, is Visakha Bucha Day and a regular public holiday according to the calendar.
Monday, 1 June 2026, is a substitute holiday. Government offices and banks will be closed.
The Royal Palace invites Buddhists to offer "Khom Tra" lanterns and candles to pay homage to the Emerald Buddha on Visakha Bucha Day 2026.
On this important Buddhist day, Thai Buddhists flock to Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram (Wat Phra Kaew) to perform merit-making and express reverence to Phra Phuttha Maha Mani Ratana Patimakorn, the sacred Emerald Buddha, a national treasure.
One cherished tradition is offering "Khom Tra" lanterns and candles to light in Buddhist homage by royal command. This act is not only part of the royal ceremony but also carries profound Buddhist beliefs.
The merit of light: according to ancient beliefs, offering lamps, lanterns, or Vassa candles to Buddha images, especially the Emerald Buddha, symbolizes adding light to one's life. It is believed to grant donors "wisdom and insight," spiritual vision, radiant complexion, and a life free from darkness or hardship. Hanging lanterns at Wat Phra Kaew is thus considered the highest blessing that Buddhists unite to dedicate once a year.
To ensure the royal merit-making ceremony for Visakha Bucha proceeds smoothly, the Royal Palace has set the following details.
One lantern per family/store/company/organization is allowed.
Size: Diameter must not exceed 70 centimeters.
Weight: Should not exceed 7 kilograms.
Electrical system: Must have bulbs not exceeding 25 watts (220 volts), with about 2 meters of wiring and a male plug ready for use.
Candles: Up to one pair may be submitted (no size or weight limit).
Important: The donor's name tag must be clearly attached to the lantern or candles.
Buddhists may deliver lanterns and candles on the following dates and times.
Main period: 21 – 30 May 2026 (9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.).
Exceptions on certain days.
29 May (Buddhist chanting ceremony dedicated to the Queen Grandmother): submissions accepted 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
30 May (Royal ceremony for setting up the Pali recitation hall): submissions accepted 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
31 May (Visakha Bucha Day): Only fresh flowers accepted from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Donors can collect their lanterns from 2 to 11 June 2026, between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
(Except on 3 June, the Queen's Birthday, when lantern collection is only available in the morning from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.)