Buddha day hits Thailand

[gentle music] Now, in this segment, we're gonna be, uh, heading into Bangkok to talk about, uh, what Buddha Day is really like in Thailand's busy, busy capital, really.

I mean, even though Bangkok is famous for being this sort of fast-paced and noisy and always moving, definitely that, things feel different when it's a Buddhist holiday, I must admit.

Across the city, I find that many people start the day early by visiting temples and making merit and offering food to the monks and lighting incense and spending time, important time, with their family.

You'll see many locals dress respectfully as they, uh, visit temples throughout the day, while in the, in the evening, the temples across Bangkok, I found them to be really, really busy, uh, especially with, uh, candlelit processions known as, uh, Waan Tan ceremony.

And, uh, you know, people just walk around the temple carrying, carrying candles, flowers, incense, and all in a reflection of prayer.

I mean, because this is one of the most important days in, in the Buddhist calendar, isn't it? And of course, alcohol is banned for the day, and many entertainment venues, they actually close or operate slightly differently, if you know what I mean.

There is a general calmer atmosphere across the parts of the city.

But what makes Bangkok special, special during this particular Buddhist holiday is, is the contrast.

One moment you have the energy of A- one of Asia's busiest cities, and, uh, the next one, next time, it's sort of like a, a peaceful temple courtyard surrounded by a candlelit, quiet reflection.

It's a side of Bangkok that I would think that not many visitors always get the chance to experience, and if you've got that chance, it's well worth taking it.

So, you know, whether you're living in Bangkok, visiting, or just, uh, experiencing it, let's just say from afar, the festival is, uh, is very important, and it's, it's different, and it gives you that, um, t- even, you know, for the people that call it home, it gives them that sort of different view of the city.