Makha Bucha Day marked in Naratiwat

NARATHIWAT, Feb 22 (TNA) -- Devout Buddhists in the Thai southern Naratiwat province have joined in with Makha Bucha Day activities, including the candle circumambulation ceremony this afternoon amidst tight security by soldiers and police. At around 12.30 pm, local time today, Wat Urai Rattanaram in Bacho district of Naratiwat province was packed with Thai-Buddhists from the nearby Bacho community market and from Pa Jo waterfall community, along with soldiers from the Naratiwat Army Special Division 32 and police officers from the Bacho Provincial Police Station. They have joined in with the candle circumambulation on the sacred Buddhist day to uplift Buddhism, after participating in an alms-giving ceremony earlier this morning. Together the attendees prayed for those who had sacrificed their lives for the peace and harmony in the region, while also wishing for peace and unity to return to the region as possible. The circumambulation ceremony is usually held at night time, but since the southernmost region is still plagued with violent attacks, each district has chosen to held the ceremony according to its convenience by regarding the highest safety for Buddhists who would choose to attend the ceremony. (TNA)