25 FEBRUARY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: A Thai family prays in front of Wat Benchamabophit Dusitvanaram (popularly known as either Wat Bencha or the Marble Temple) on Makha Bucha Day. Makha Bucha is a Buddhist holiday celebrated in Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, Cambodia and Laos on the full moon day of the third lunar month (February 25 in 2013). The third lunar month is known in Thai is Makha. Bucha is a Thai word meaning "to venerate" or "to honor". Makha Bucha Day is for the veneration of Buddha and his teachings on the full moon day of the third lunar month. Makha Bucha Day marks the day that 1,250 Arahata spontaneously came to see the Buddha. The Buddha in turn laid down the principles his teachings. In Thailand, this teaching has been dubbed the 'Heart of Buddhism'. PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ