The three-month Vassavasa rains retreat for monks and nuns begins on the day after the full moon of the eighth lunar month, and is one of the most important festivals in the Theravada Buddhist calendar. This year that day falls on 31 July.
Candle donations. From thaiworldview.com
It was on this day that the historical Buddha, Shakyamuni, famously gave his first teaching at Sarnath in India after attaining enlightenment. The Buddha gave his first discourse on The Middle Way to five ascetics, former companions during his search for wisdom, who became his first disciples.
During Vassavasa, monastics remain within monasteries and temple grounds, where they devote their time to meditation and study. During India’s rainy season living outside became difficult and potentially dangerous, so groups of monks would instead form temporary communities. This also meant that they could avoid unintentionally harming crops, insects, and other creatures, which flourished during this season. While all monks and nuns are expected to observe the rains retreat, dispensation of up to seven days can be granted under certain circumstances, such as attending to sangha business, giving a Dhamma teaching, or visiting a sick relative. The retreat continues until the full moon of the 11th lunar month, which this year falls on 27 October. The end of Vassavasa is marked by the Pavarana ceremony, during which sangha members have an opportunity to admonish one another for any misdeeds during the retreat. It is followed by the Kathina or robe-offering festival, which continues for a further month.
Processions of elaborate wax carvings are held in Thailand during Khao Phansa. From Travel Daily News
In modern times, Vassavasa, sometimes known as Buddhist Lent, is not limited to the monastic community. In Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Thailand, many devoted lay Buddhists choose to observe Vassavasa by adopting more ascetic practices such as giving up meat, alcohol, and tobacco. They can also engage in merit-making activities, including offering alms to the sangha, observing the eight precepts, practicing meditation, chanting Buddhist suttas, and listening to Dhamma talks. In Thailand, it is also common for men to take temporary ordination as monks for the duration of Vassavasa.
In the 10 days leading up to Vassavasa, Buddhists all over Thailand celebrate Khao Phansa. During this festival, Buddhists donate carved wax candles to temples, which the monks use in order to chant Buddhist texts through the night. Candle processions take place throughout the country, although the most famous is perhaps the “International Wax Candle Festival” held at Thung Si Mueang Temple in the province of Ubon Ratchathani. This year, the festivities will showcase “The 9th International Wax Carving Competition,” and from 30–31 July, parades of ornately carved wax candles will be held in the provincial capital, followed by merit-making activities and a light-and-sound display at night.
Theravada monks collecting alms. From watlaodenver.net
“The annual Khao Phansa celebrations truly reflect the local traditions and strong beliefs in Buddhism of the Thai people,” said Juthaporn Rerngronasa, acting governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and deputy governor for international marketing. “TAT cordially invites all tourists and travelers to witness some of Thailand’s unique festivals as well as immerse themselves in some delightful local customs that can’t be found elsewhere.” (Travel Daily News)