Magh Puja

'Chap Goh Mei' means it is Magh Puja to the Buddhist, a significant festival in Buddhist calender. It is celebrated on the day of full moon in the month of March in the countries like India, Thailand, Srilanka and Laos. The Buddhist festivals are very calm and quiet affair, the followers celebrate the spirit of Buddhism and listen the discussions on Dharma. Distribution of food to the monk and poor are an integral part of the Buddhist festival.

Origin of the Puja
According to the recorded in the commentary to the Mahāsamayasutta, nine months after the enlightenment of Lord Buddha at Veḷuvana Bamboo Grove, near Rājagaha in Northern India four marvelous events occured. These are

• 1,250 enlightened disciples of the Buddha spontaneously gathered

• every one of those enlightened disciples had been given monastic ordination personally by the Lord Buddha

• those disciples knew to meet together without any previous appointment

• it was the full-moon day.

And this auspicious day is marked as a Magh Puja day. On that special day Lord Buddha gave an important teaching to the assembled monk, 2500 years ago called 'Ovādapātimokkha', and these are laid own the principles of the Buddhist teachings. In Thailand, this teaching has been dubbed the 'Heart of Buddhism'. This festival is also known as the Four fold Sangha because of these four features.

Celebration of the festival
Celebration of the festival varies from country to country but the festival is a time to come together carry out discussions of the various aspects of Buddha's life and teachings. They do group meditation and candle light procession. It is a time to exchange gifts.

Significance of the festival
One of the most important Buddhist festival is Magha Puja. This festival honours the Buddhist community or Sangha. It is a time or chance to reaffirm the faith and commitment to Buddhist practices and traditions.

In 2009 the festival is on 11th March.
Know more about the Buddhist tourism in Buddhist Tourism