One of the most important holidays on the Buddhist calendar, Visakha Bucha marks the three important incidents in the life of Lord Buddha – his birth, his enlightenment, and his death. Coinciding with the full moon of the sixth lunar month, this year’s Visakha Bucha falls next Wednesday.

Traditionally Buddhists will go to temple to make merit, attend Buddhist sermons, and wien tien – walk around the temple clockwise three times in prayer and meditation. Phra That Haripunchai Temple in Lamphun province is the designated pilgrimage temple for 2017.

“Phra That Hariphunchai Temple contains the Buddha’s relic that is auspicious for the rooster year. The pagoda was built in the era of Phra Nang Jamthevi, the Princess from the Lawoe Kingdom of Hariphunchai city,” explains Ajarn Khatha Chinnabanchorn, a well-known fortune teller.

For those staying in Bangkok, The Mall Group is once again organising its “Visakha Bucha Auspicious Celebration” from Thursday thrpugh May 10 on the concept “Worship Buddha’s Relic of the Rooster Year, Bring Happiness Throughout the Year” and will be bringing a replica of the Phra That Hariphunchai Temple pagoda to The Mall Ngamwongwan branch.

Medallions bearing the king of roosters on one side and the symbolic Yantra on the other, which have been blessed and prayed over by Phra Kru Sitisungwon, the assistant to the abbot of Wat Ratchasitaram, and which are believed to bring better health, long life, happiness, and prosperity, will be offered to M Card and Thai Life Card members.

Khatha, who led the recent medallion ceremony involving the preparation of three-legged tents signifying a foundation in life for stability, prosperity, and longevity, explains that on one occasion in the past, His Graciousness the Supreme Patriarch Somdet Phra Ariyavongsanana went to Rangnaipa Temple to witness an incantation. As he sat in meditation, he was suddenly surrounded by a flock of enraged roosters. He chanted the incantation and the wild roosters were tamed. Some of them even came close to him and fed off the palm of his hand.

The auspicious rooster medallions have also been ceremoniously consecrated to rid the people of misfortunes and to worship the angels of the nine planets that are believed to bring good health, long life, happiness, and prosperity.

The Mall event features plenty of activities for the new generation including “The Crystal Singing Bowl” to create balance in the cells through sound waves that helps to remove negative thoughts and ease certain sicknesses. This ancient therapy will be led by Dr Gumpanat Buahombura, who will use crystal bowls made from quartz in seven sizes to connect with the seven chakras of the human body.

Sermons and lectures by Phra Maha Sompong, Major Suthee Suksakol, Jatupone Chompoonich, and Khatha himself will be given as part of the “Mee Thet, Mee Talk” activity. Merit-making rites including the Uppatasanti Prayer Ceremony “Mahasanting Luang”, which will offer prayers in honour of His Majesty the late King Bhumibhol Adulyadej and the Thai Royal Family led by the monks of Pitchyayatkaram Wonwihan Temple. There will also be yoga meditation and an offering of 99 sets of Sangkhtan (household goods and dry food) to monks.