Asalha Puja 2025
Date: July 10, 2025 (Thursday)
Country: Thailand Public Holidays
Description
Asalha Puja is a major Buddhist holiday in Thailand. It marks a key moment when the Buddha first taught the basic principles of his path. The name points to the month and the sacred day of listening.
The holiday falls on the full moon of the eighth lunar month. That usually lands in July. The date moves each year when compared to the Western calendar because it follows the Buddhist lunar system.
Asalha Puja remembers the Buddha explaining the Four Noble Truths. These ideas give a simple framework for understanding suffering and how to live with more kindness and wisdom. Many Thai people see this as a spiritual starting point.
The day is significant because it celebrates the beginning of the Buddha s public teaching. It is one of the most important foundations of Buddhism. For Thai culture the holiday supports reflection on values and moral life.
Traditions
On Asalha Puja many people visit temples to make merit. They bring food, rice, fruit, and sweet desserts to offer to monks. At dawn laypeople give alms of cooked meals and packaged food in the monk line.
Inside the temple people listen to Dhamma talks and chant with the monks. Families pour water from a small cup to share merit with relatives. Many attend group meditation for calm and reflection after the sermons.
In the evening temples hold a candlelight ceremony walking three times around the ordination hall. Devotees light candles, incense, and flowers and present robes or cloth to support the monastic community.
Travel Tips
Many shops, banks, and government offices may close or open late. Temples host big events and get crowded in morning and evening. Plan travel earlier, expect traffic and packed public transport, and carry cash for small vendors and donations.
Dress modestly at religious sites and follow signs about photography and quiet zones. Stay hydrated and keep valuables secure in crowds. Join public events respectfully and choose guided tours or temple staff when you want explanations for a safe, meaningful visit.