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 Buddha. On this day, Buddhists nationwide perform. 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 practice 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, three incense sticks and a lit candle, and walks around the main chapel three times in remembrance of the Triple Gems--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 purify their minds.