Bouk Ok Pansa: October 12
Bouk Ok Pansa is a public holiday in Laos.
“Bouk Ok Pansa” means, in Laotian, “End of the Rains Retreat”. It is the day that marks the end of the Buddhists three month retreat during the rainy season. The date changes every year, and falls on the full moon of the eleventh lunar month (October).
History of Bouk Ok Pansa Day
The Rains Retreats begin with the Khaon Pansa, marked by a Candle Festival in which candles, and other necessities, are offered to the Buddhist monks. These candles will burn throughout the rainy season to signal illumination of the temple and illumination of the mind. For a period of three months, Buddhists priests have to meditate in temples and observe strict rules. Young men are also enrolled in temples on that day, until the Bouk Ok Pansa. After the three months, the young monks that have attended the retreat return to their homes in joyful celebrations. They are also now free to go on pilgrimages to holy spots, and as the monks descend from the temples, they are received with offerings from the worshipers.
The observation of the Rains Retreat is said to originate with the Buddha himself. Gautama Buddha ordered his disciples to observe a pre-existing practice whereby holy men avoided travel for a three month period during the rainy season, in order to avoid damaging crops. A man’s religious age may be counted as how many Rains Retreats he has observed in his life.
The Rains Retreats begin with the Khaon Pansa, marked by a Candle Festival in which candles, and other necessities, are offered to the Buddhist monks. These candles will burn throughout the rainy season to signal illumination of the temple and illumination of the mind.
For a period of three months, Buddhists priests have to meditate in temples and observe strict rules. Young men are also enrolled in temples on that day, until the Bouk Ok Pansa. After the three months, the young monks that have attended the retreat return to their homes in joyful celebrations. They are also now free to go on pilgrimages to holy spots, and as the monks descend from the temples, they are received with offerings from the worshipers.
Laos Bouk Ok Pansa Day Traditions, Customs and Activities
Faithful villagers are busy during the previous days making khao thom, rice offerings, for Bouk Ok Pansa. In the day at dawn, these donations and offerings are made at temples around the cities. In the evening, candlelight processions are held at temples and hundreds of colorful banana-leaf floats decorated with flowers, incense and candles are set adrift down the Mekong River to pay respect to the river spirit. After the spiritual event then it’s time to get down and party for the boat racing festival.
Other interesting posts:
- Parinirvana is a religious observance for Buddhists
- Laos Commemorates Lao National Day
- Children’s Day Celebration in Laos
- Khao Phansaa
Other interesting posts:
