About this Holiday
Khao Phansa marks the beginning of the three-month Vassa retreat (Phansa), during which Buddhist monks remain in their home temples and refrain from traveling. The tradition dates from the time of the Buddha, who instructed monks to stay in one place during the rainy season to avoid trampling crops. In Thailand, Khao Phansa is celebrated with elaborate candle processions, where communities present intricately carved candles to temples as offerings for the Lent season.