In this article:
Makha Bucha 2027 falls on Sunday, February 21. It is a Buddhist holiday, with rites performed throughout Thailand. Its traditions include offerings to monks, listening to sermons, and evening candlelit processions around temples. If you want to see how the day is marked, first choose a temple and check its schedule: details of specific 2027 ceremonies have not yet been confirmed.
The date comes with an important note for trip planning. Monday, February 22, is listed as a substitute day off for financial institutions, because the holiday itself falls on Sunday. It is not a second day of Makha Bucha. Below, we cover the meaning of the holiday, its date, and what is known about taking part in temple rites.
What is celebrated on Makha Bucha Day
According to Buddhist tradition, the Buddha’s disciples gathered without prior arrangement. Makha Bucha is linked to this event: it is a day when believers turn to the Buddhist teachings and take part in temple rites.
The holiday follows the Thai lunar calendar. It usually falls on the full moon of the third lunar month, or on the full moon of the fourth lunar month in a year with an extra lunar month. So when planning a trip, check the date for the specific year.
When and where
In 2027, Makha Bucha is observed on February 21, on Sunday. The date for this year is given by Bank of Thailand. Its calendar marks February 22 as a substitute day off for financial institutions.
Holiday rites are performed throughout Thailand, so the event has no single venue, city, or address. Ceremony times at your chosen temple should be checked separately. If you are matching public holidays with your travel plans, also look at the Thailand events calendar.
How the holiday is observed
Common forms of participation include making offerings to monks and listening to sermons. Candlelit processions are traditionally held at temples in the evening, as described by the National Office of Buddhism.
This is a description of traditions, not a schedule for 2027. The official materials available contain no confirmed program for individual temples. If you are interested specifically in the evening procession, check the announcement of your chosen temple before visiting.
Participation Terms
The cost of taking part in specific 2027 ceremonies is not stated in the official materials. The same materials also lack confirmed addresses, start times, and access rules for individual temples. The route can be determined after you choose a temple and check its announcement.
If you plan to attend a rite, check the time, place, and visiting conditions with your chosen temple in advance. That way you can tell its current program apart from the general description of Makha Bucha traditions.
Frequently Asked Questions ❓
When is Makha Bucha in 2027?
The holiday falls on Sunday, February 21, 2027. Monday, February 22, is listed by the Bank of Thailand as a substitute day off for financial institutions, not as a second day of the holiday.
Where can you see the candlelit procession?
Evening candlelit processions are part of the Makha Bucha traditions at temples in Thailand. Specific venues and the 2027 ceremony schedule should be checked in the announcements of the temples you choose.
Do you have to pay to take part?
Admission conditions depend on the specific place where the rite is held. Before you visit, check with your chosen temple about the procedure for taking part and any possible fee.
Why does the date of Makha Bucha change?
It is set by the Thai lunar calendar: the holiday usually falls on the full moon of the third lunar month. In a year with an extra lunar month, it is observed on the full moon of the fourth.
Conclusion
Makha Bucha is an occasion to learn about Thailand’s Buddhist traditions through temple rites, sermons, and evening candlelit processions. If you are in the country on February 21, 2027, check the program of the temple nearest to you and choose a suitable time to visit.