This important Buddhist holy day is celebrated in India, Laos, and Thailand, where it is a national holiday. The day commemorates the occasion when 1,250 followers ordained by the Buddha arrived by coincidence at Veluvan Monastery in Rajagriha, Bihar, India, to hear him lay down monastic regulations and predict his own death and entry with Nirvana. On this day there are sermons in the temples throughout the day, and monks spend the day chanting. Each person carries flowers, glowing incense, and a lighted candle in homage to the Buddha. Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary