Thailand observes Buddhist Lent
Bangkok Post: 26 Jul 2010
ASALAHA BUCHA DAY TODAY
Kingdom prepares for Asalaha Bucha Day, Lent celebrations
By THE NATION
Published on July 26, 2010
Thais across the country yesterday were arranging to celebrate Asalaha Bucha Day today and the beginning of Buddhist Lent tomorrow.
This religious festival is often marked with processions of elaborately carved paraffin candles for monks to use during the three-month rainy season retreat.
In Nonthaburi, more than 100 boats paraded exquisite giant candles along a section of Bangkok Noi Canal from Chalor Temple to Bote Bon Temple. The most impressive float will win Bt15,000 and a plaque of honour.
Deputy Nonthaburi Governor Pradit Sukhonthasawat and Bang Kruai District chief Ronnachai Jitwises presided over the launch of the candle convoy.
In Phitsanulok, a procession snaked through this northern province's main roads showing the candles presented by His Majesty the King to a royal monastery as well as those from various communities.
In Sakon Nakhon, up to 10 processions were formed, each showcasing candles artfully designed to reflect the local culture, way of life and religious devotion.
In Si Sa Ket, at least 5,000 people showed up to join a colourful candle procession and associated fun activities. The line stretched for several kilometres.
In Nakhon Ratchasima, a candle contest for a trophy from HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn is being held as part of a three-day fair.
The event, featuring a light-and-sound show, kicked off yesterday.
Samer Jindapong, chairman of the Nakhon Ratchasima Tourism Association, said that coupled with the four-day long weekend, the festival looked set to boost tourism in Korat.
"In all, people will likely spend more than Bt100 million here over this holiday," he said.
Finding a room in this northeastern province has become a challenge. In Pak Chong district, all hotels are fully booked.
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Special Report: Buddhist Lent Day “Khao Phansaâ€
TNN July 26 2010
“Khao Phansa†in Thai means rains retreat, marking the 3-month period during the rainy season that Buddhist monks stop traveling and stay at one particular monastery. This year, Khao Phansa begins on 27 July.
Khao Phansa or also known as the Buddhist Lent starts on the day after Asalha Puja or on the first day of the waning moon of the eighth lunar month, usually in July, and ends in October. The tradition was originated back in the early time of Buddhism when pilgrimage during the rainy season caused much inconvenience for the monks who sometimes accidentally stepped on seedlings and damaged the recently-sown farms.
Besides the usual merit making ceremony and meditation on Khao Phansa, Buddhists also pay homage with offerings such as fresh flowers, personal supplies, household medical packages, as well as giant candles to the holy men to be used during the 3-month period.
Nowadays, people tend to choose to offer light bulbs rather than candles as they are deemed to be more practical while the beautifully-carved candles are only used as a symbolic presentation in the candle procession.
According to a poll recently conducted on 1,192 samples in Bangkok and vicinities, over 56% of the respondents said they were determined to go to temples to make merit on the Buddhist Lent. The number has increased by 20% compared to the previous major religious occasion -- Visakha Puja -- three months ago.
Every year, authorities and communities in various provinces join hands to organize grand candle festivals in their areas to commemorate the religious occasion in parallel with the religious ceremony. The event usually features the candle molding activity, candle carving competition, and procession of ornately-carved beeswax candles.
Thai people often use this auspicious time as a start for doing good deeds and refrain from wrong-doings, particularly those identified in the five Buddhist precepts. Many agencies also use this opportunity in urging the public to engage in merit-making activities such as blood donation or anti-drinking and smoking.
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