The full moon of the third lunar month marks the occasion when 1250 of the Buddha's disciples came to hear him preach. This day is a public holiday. The teachers from our school meet during the early evening and go to one of the local temples to take part in a candlelit procession and to listen to a sermon.

Narudon (a twelve year old boy): This morning I got up early. I went to the temple to make merit. I listened to the monks chanting and then to another monk who gave a sermon. He explained why Makha Puja Day is important. He said: "About 2500 years ago, the buddha met by chance some monks and he asked them to do good and to keep their heart clean." After that I went home, but I went to another temple in the evening. I took with me lotus flowers, incense sticks and a candle. I then walked around the temple three times.

Wisanu (a twelve year old boy): Today I went to the temple early in the morning. I took some food for the monks because I wanted to make merit. I also set free some fish and birds. In the evening I watched television. The king's daughter went to Puttamonton temple and chanted from a sacred book. After, I went to the temple and walked around it three times holding three incense sticks, lotus flowers and candles.