2 Years After Covid, Thousands Of Candles Light Up Thailand's Dhammakaya Temple On Makha Bucha Day. In Pics

After years of virtual prayer, Buddhist followers in Thailand lit candles and lanterns on Monday to commemorate Makha Bucha Day, one of the religion's holiest days.

I'm extremely pleased because last year was an internet event, so lighting a candle this year made me feel nostalgic, said Jitipat Thaiyanan, 25, news agency Reuters reported. 

Thousands of people in white and monks in saffron robes walked around the Dhammakaya Temple's sacred stupa near Bangkok, holding candles and chanting prayer in Pali, the language of Buddhist scriptures.

The festival marks the day more than 2,500 years ago when the Buddha ordained 1,250 monks.

We light lanterns, walk in meditation, and remember Buddha's teachings, his wisdom, holiness, and kindness, said Buddhist monk Santiwong Wuthiwangso, Reuters reported.

Makha Bucha commemorates a significant gathering at which Lord Buddha taught 1,250 of his first pupils; his disciples were then ordained as monks to spread the principles of Buddhism.

Thai Buddhists visit their local temple to make merit on Makha Bucha Day, as they do on all Buddhist holidays in Thailand. (Image Source: Getty)