Makha Bucha day, one of the holiest Buddhist holidays, falls on Wednesday, February 16th, in Thailand.
The day will be marked with many religious ceremonies and gatherings which have been allowed to continue this year despite Covid-19 but with protective measures such as mask wearing and social distancing.
It is important to note that most government offices will be closed as well as potentially other private businesses. Additionally, this is a total alcohol sales ban day in Thailand, which includes supermarkets, convenience stores, hotels, and of course restaurants that sell alcohol.
Bars, pubs, nightclubs, and similar venues are technically already legally closed due to Covid-19 restrictions still in place since April of last year, however, they have been allowed in many cases to convert to temporary restaurants. They will be required to shut to mark this religious holiday.
Makha Bucha Day is the second most important Buddhist festival, celebrated on the full moon day of the third lunar month in Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Sri Lanka and on the full moon day of Tabaung in Myanmar.
It celebrates a gathering that was held between the Buddha and 1,250 of his first disciples, which, according to tradition, preceded the custom of periodic recitation of discipline by monks.
