Visakha puja is one of the greatest religious holidays for Buddhists. It falls on the full moon day of the 6 lunar month. The celebration is held to commemorate the birth, enlightenment, and death of lord budha. On this day, buddhists nationwide perfrom religious ceremonies and merit-making. Early in the morning, people make offerings to the monks. Then, some go to the temple to make merit, such as by releasing fish and birds. Many listen to sermons, observe the five precepts, and practics meditation. At night, buddhists gather at their nearby temples to listen to special sermons, and join the candle-lit-procession. In this procession, each person carries flowers, there incense sticks and a lit candle, and wolk aroud the main chaple three times in remembrance of the triple game-- the buddha, his teachings, and his disciples. Visakha Puja Day is one of the most important days for buddhists-- an occasion for them to make merit and to purity their minds.