makha

Makha (Pali/Māgha) is a month in the traditional Buddhist and Hindu lunisolar calendars used across parts of South and Southeast Asia. The name Māgha is of Sanskrit origin and is preserved in several regional calendars as Makha or Magha. The month is most widely associated with the Theravada Buddhist festival Makha Puja (also called Makha Bucha in Thailand), observed on the full moon day of the Makha month. The date varies each year in the Gregorian calendar, typically in February or March.

Makha Puja commemorates a gathering of 1,250 enlightened monks who, without prior notice, assembled to hear a sermon from the Buddha. He delivered a discourse reaffirming the core precepts, the monastic rules, and the path of Dharma, reinforcing discipline within the sangha as well as the lay community’s devotion to the Three Jewels. The day is regarded as an important occasion to reflect on the teachings, generosity, and moral conduct.

Observances vary by country but share common elements. Worshipers visit temples to offer alms, light candles, and chant or listen to sermons. Lay followers may observe additional precepts, participate in processions, and donate to monks or temple activities. In many communities, Makha Puja is a peak religious day in the annual cycle, tied to community practice and temple life.

Regional names and customs differ: in Thailand the festival is Makha Bucha; in Sri Lanka and other Theravada countries it is Magha Puja. The month of Makha also appears in calendars used by Buddhist communities worldwide.