Editor's Note:
Makha Bucha is a major Buddhist holiday on the full moon of the third lunar month that celebrates the total 1,250 disciples that collected to be ordained by Buddha without being summoned.
The day, which fell on February 22 this year, is observed by doing good, avoiding sinful acts and purifying the mind.
The Thai government made Makha Bucha a national holiday in 2006 in order to better encourage people to follow the teachings of Buddha. It is also celebrated in Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos.
Photos: CFP
A monk walks among those seated in prayer during a ceremony on Makha Bucha in Pathum Thani province, north of Bangkok, on February 22, 2016. 
Two monks walk in front of the Wat Phra Dhammakaya, which is considered one of the wealthiest temples in Thailand, before a ceremony marking Makha Bucha in Pathum Thani province, north of Bangkok, on February 22, 2016. 
Buddhist monks pray on stairs outside the Wat Phra Dhammakaya on Makha Bucha in Pathum Thani province, north of Bangkok, Thailand, on February 22, 2016. 
Buddhists join the yearly ceremony at the Wat Phra Dhammakaya on Makha Bucha in Pathum Thani province, north of Bangkok, on February 22, 2016. 
Monks walk in a line after a prayer ceremony on Makha Bucha in Pathum Thani province, north of Bangkok, on February 22, 2016. 
Monks hold glass lanterns during a ceremony on Makha Bucha in Pathum Thani province, north of Bangkok, on February 22, 2016. 
Buddhists hold glass lanterns during a nighttime ceremony observing Makha Bucha in Pathum Thani province, north of Bangkok February 22, 2016.
