Golden metal leaves hang from a tree at the base of Wat Saket, or ÒThe temple of the Golden Mount.Ó Buddhists devotees write wishes on the golden leaves as part of the celebrations during the Makha Bucha day.

A woman hits a bell found along the path up to Wat Saket's golden stupa.

A woman hits a bell found along the path up to Wat Saket's golden stupa.

A man hits a gong found at the base of Wat Saket.

Worshippers pray and give offerings at an altar in Wat Saket.

A statue located in front of Wat SaketÕs golden stupa.

A full moon is seen over Bangkok during Makha Bucha celebrations. This Buddhist holiday is celebrated in Thailand each year on the full moon of the third lunar month. On this day, celebrated in temples (Wat) nationwide, Buddhists gather to show respect for Buddha and take part in merit-making activities.

Worshippers join the candlelight procession at Wat Saket. Devotees will walk clockwise around the main hall of the temple for at least three times.

Monks join the candlelight procession at Wat Saket. Monks will walk clockwise around the main hall of the temple for at least three times.

Worshippers carry candles while reciting prayers during the candlelight ceremony at Wat Saket. Devotees offer the candles to the monks to make merit.

Worshippers carry candles while reciting prayers during the candlelight ceremony at Wat Saket. Devotees offer the candles to the monks to make merit.

Worshippers carry candles while reciting prayers during the candlelight ceremony at Wat Saket. Devotees offer the candles to the monks to make merit.

Wat Saket's golden stupa. This gilded Buddhist stupa, or chedi, is located at the top of the 'Golden Mount'. This temple is widely visited during the Makha Bucha, a Buddhist holiday celebrated in Thailand each year on the full moon of the third lunar month.

A woman prays at Wat Saket during Makha Bucha celebrations.

A woman prays at Wat Saket during Makha Bucha celebrations.

A woman prays and offers a cash donation to make merit at Wat Saket's golden stupa.

Monks join the candlelight procession at Wat Saket. Monks will walk clockwise around the main hall of the temple for at least three times.

Monks join the candlelight procession at Wat Saket. Monks will walk clockwise around the main hall of the temple for at least three times.

Sunset at Wat Saket's golden stupa.

A woman offers a cash donation to make merit at Wat Saket's golden stupa.

A monk holds a candle during the prayer ceremonies at Wat Saket' main hall.

Worshippers carry candles while reciting prayers during the candlelight ceremony at Wat Saket. Devotees offer the candles to the monks to make merit.

A woman offers a cash donation to make merit at Wat Saket's golden stupa.

Monks talk to devotees after the prayer ceremonies celebrated at Wat Saket' main hall.

Metal golden leaves decorate Wat Saket with Bangkok's skyline in the background.

A monk blesses a devotee at Wat Saket during Makha Bucha celebrations.

Buddhist followers pray in front of an altar at Wat Saket during Makha Bucha celebrations.

A woman hangs on a tree a golden metal leaf with a wish at the base of Wat Saket, or ÒTemple of the Golden Mount.Ó

Worshippers walk around Wat Saket's golden stupa. According to Buddhist beliefs, devotees need to walk clockwise for at least three times.

A monk stands at the base of Wat SaketÕs golden stupa during sunset.

Worshippers walk around Wat Saket's golden stupa after sunset. According to Buddhist beliefs, devotees need to walk clockwise for at least three times.

Monks and Buddhist followers join prayer ceremonies at Wat Saket' main hall. During Makha Bucha celebrations, followers take part in different religious activities, such as listen to sermons, meditate and provide monks with food offerings, among others.

A Buddhist follower poses for a photo while carrying a candle at Wat Saket«s main hall. Devotees offer the candles to the monks to make merit.

A Buddhist follower poses for a photo while carrying a candle at Wat Saket«s main hall. Devotees offer the candles to the monks to make merit.

A Buddhist follower places a gold leaf on a Buddha statue to make merit and obtain good luck. Devotees usually will put the leaf on places where they wish to heal or help.

A monk walks around Wat Saket's golden stupa. According to Buddhist beliefs, monks and devotees need to walk clockwise for at least three times.

A man prays in front of Wat Saket's golden stupa during Makha Bucha celebrations.

Worshippers walk around Wat Saket's golden stupa. According to Buddhist beliefs, devotees need to walk clockwise for at least three times.