Māgha Pūjā Day: An Important Tradition of Prachin Buri People

Abstract

The Māgha Pūjā traditional festival is an important merit-making event held annually during Māgha Pūjā Day at the Emerald Pool Historical Park, Wat Sa Morakot, Khok Pib Sub-district, Si Mahosot District, Prachin Buri Province. The main objective is to pay homage to the Buddha and bring good fortune on Māgha Pūjā Day. It is an important day in Buddhism and to show respect and faith in the Buddha. It is also a platform to spread the Dhamma and promote the practice of Dhamma to the general public. This tradition is a center of faith for local communities, government sectors, private sectors, and Buddhists nationwide who work together to preserve Buddhism, with important activities such as candlelight procession around the pair of Buddha footprints, chanting Buddhist mantras, listening to Dhamma sermons, Sarabhanya chanting contests, Dhamma quiz contests, Dhamma exhibitions, and other Buddhist activities that deeply integrate faith, art, culture, and spirituality. In addition to the religious dimension, the Māgha Pūjā Festival of Sri Prachin also plays a role in instilling morality and ethics in the youth, creating unity in the community, and promoting the preservation of local traditions. It is a tradition that beautifully combines the power of faith and local identity. Therefore, it is worth continuing to preserve the roots of Buddhism in Prachin Buri to be strong and sustainable forever.