Magha Puja

Magha is the third lunar month of the old Indian calendar. It usually falls somewhere toward the end of February or early March.

The story of the Magha Puja festival tells of a spontaneous pilgrimage of 1250 fully enlightened monks (Arahants) to see Lord Buddha at the Grand Temple Veruvana in the city of Rajgarh. The Arahants decided to make their journey independently from each other, traveling alone from many separate parts of the countryside. One thousand of the gathered monks had previously achieved Awakening upon hearing Lord Buddha's delivery of the Fire Sermon; the remaining 250 were followers of the elder monks Ven. Moggallana and Ven. Sariputta. Because of this gathering the full moon of Magha has come to be known as 'Sangha day' and is a time when monastics will make an effort to gather together to share their knowledge and experiences. Many would not have seen each other for some time and with the arising of spring and the end of a long retreat there is much to share.

To mark this auspicious gathering, the Buddha delivered the Ovadapattimokkha, a summary of the main points of the Dhamma, which the Buddha gave to the assembly before sending them out to proclaim the doctrine.

Magha Puja festival schedule

10:00 AM: Pindabat (alms-round) food offering to the monks.
11:00 AM: Meal offered to the monks.
1:00 PM. Magha Puja Ceremony and Sermon.