2025-02-14
During this year's Makha Bucha Day, one of Thailand's most important Buddhist holidays, several temples across the country have taken important steps to reduce their environmental impact. To combat air pollution, they have introduced new eco-friendly rituals that both care for nature and strengthen community.
Ban on incense and candles in Bangkok
Makha Bucha Day falls on February 12, 2025, and several popular temples, including Wat Saket Ratchawara Mahavihara in Bangkok, have decided to completely ban incense and candles. The decision comes as a direct response to the increasing problems of PM2.5 air pollution, which is harmful to both health and the environment.
Tree walking – a new eco-friendly ceremony
Visitors welcomed the change, with many emphasizing that spirituality does not have to be associated with smoke and fire. Instead, a new ceremony was introduced at Wat Saket – tree walking, or “Tree Circumambulation”. During this ritual, participants walk around trees and flowers as a symbol of reverence and respect. After the ceremony, visitors are allowed to take the plants home to plant, linking the religious act with a concrete effort for the environment.
Similar initiatives at Suan Mok Bangkok
Similar initiatives were seen at Suan Mok Bangkok in the Chatuchak district, where tree walks were combined with classical elements such as alms giving and dharma sermons, resulting in an experience that combined spiritual immersion with environmental awareness.
Positive response from monks and visitors
Both monks and visitors are welcoming these new traditions. The abbot of Wat Saket believes that it is a natural evolution of Buddhism's core values of doing good and living in harmony with nature.
Part of a larger environmental trend in Thailand
This greening of Makha Bucha Day can be seen as part of a broader trend in Thailand, where both religious and government actors are seeking solutions to the country's air pollution problems. PM2.5 levels have been alarmingly high in recent years, especially in big cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai.
Hopes for broader impact
Authorities hope the temple's initiative will inspire others to take similar steps. Connecting faith and conservation is not only a gesture for the environment, but also a way to strengthen society and create a deeper understanding of the message of Buddhism.
Makha Bucha Day
- What: Buddhist festival celebrated on the full moon of the third month of the Thai lunar calendar.
- When: February of each year (February 12, 2025).
- Why: Celebrates a historic gathering when 1250 monks gathered spontaneously to listen to the Buddha's sermon.
- How: Thais visit temples, give alms, listen to dharma sermons, and participate in candlelight ceremonies.
Text: The editorial staff
Image license: suck, Pixabay, original image