Bangkok teamed up with the Culture Ministry to host a Makha Bucha Day activity at Lan Khon Mueang town square, continuing the city’s push to organise cultural campaigns for people’s benefit.

The event in front of the City Hall in Phra Nakhon district on Monday (March 6) started at 7am with an alms-giving ceremony for 66 monks to mark the Buddhist holiday. The ceremony was led by city governor Chadchart Sittipunt and Culture Minister Itthiphol Khunpluem.

Makha Bucha Day marks the gathering of the Buddha and 1,250 enlightened monks (arhat) more than 2,500 years ago, signifying the launch of the Sangha or monastic community.

The city’s Culture, Sport and Tourism Department also organised a campaign to promote Makha Bucha Day from March 4 to 6 at the town square. The campaign, which comprised an exhibition, merit-making, sermons, and chanting ceremonies, was co-hosted by the Culture Ministry’s Department of Religious Affairs.

Chadchart said the ministry’s network of partners helped the city’s Makha Bucha celebration reach a larger audience.

“Working with the ministry also meant sharing resources and knowledge, which led to budget savings,” said Chardchart. “Also, it promotes the culture of working seamlessly among agencies for maximum benefit of the people.”

The governor hoped the city and ministry would collaborate in hosting future cultural events, such as the upcoming Songkran Festival in April and the campaign to promote the identity of Bangkok’s 50 districts.

On Monday, Chadchart also urged Bangkokians to take care of their health and wear sanitary or N95 face masks when leaving home as levels of PM2.5 – particulate matter under 2.5 micrometres in diameter – are rising again. He also asked people in Bangkok and nearby provinces to refrain from adding to air pollution by burning garbage and vegetation.