Khao Phansa Festival
This festival marks the beginning of the traditional three month "rains retreat" during which Buddhist monks are expected to station themselves in a single monastery. It begins at the full moon in July and continues until the full moon in October and all ends with the Kathin ceremony in October when monks receive gifts. During time of festival, monks are not allowed to travel everywhere or revert
According to legend Buddha’s followers did not stop their wandering during the rainy season, that made people complain about their trampling on the rice field and damaging seedlings or small creatures in the fields. When the Buddha heard these worries he forbade the monks to stay in their temples for three months.
During this time devout people often abstain from alcohol. They pray for assistance and guidance to encourage merit and happiness in their lives. It encourages them to follow the five major Buddhist precepts: don’t kill animals; don’t steal or engage in corrupt acts; don’t commit adultery; don’t lie’ and avoid drinking alcohol. They also offer robes to the monks.
Early the morning of BounKhaoPhansa people prepare donations of food (particularly kaoton, rice, banana or pork wrapped in banana leaves) and necessities like soap, toothpaste and toothbrushes and towels for the monks. Most temples are very busy during this time with people making merit and giving their donations. At the end of these merit- making activities the monks will recite the teachings of Buddha and tell the history of Lent to temple goers. Later in the evening, monks, novices and lay people bring flowers and candles and walk around the central temple three times.
Lent ends on the full moon in October the Kathin ceremony when monks receive gifts. These are the most usual months for ordination and for men to enter the monkhood for short periods before they marry and are marked by numerous ordination ceremonies.
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