Boun Khao Phansa – Start of Buddhist Lent

The Khao Phansa festival marks the start of Buddhist Lent, which lasts for about a month and a half and begins the day following the full moon of the eighth lunar month, which is usually in July. In Laos, this is the traditional three-month rain retreat known as "Phansa." There are no weddings or gatherings except religious ones during this time, and Buddhist monks stay in their temples to study the Buddha's teachings and meditate. Except in exceptional circumstances, they are not permitted to travel and remain overnight outside of their temples; nonetheless, the leave length cannot exceed seven days.

Khao Phansa is traditionally the season for Buddhist young men to enter monkhood, where they receive spiritual training to obtain virtue for themselves and their parents. It is believed that a guy who has been a monk will lead their parents to paradise as a sign of purity and contentment.

People frequently prepare food and other necessities for the monks on this occasion. During this season, most temples are highly busy as many people come to make merit, donate, and receive blessings.

Time: between July and October

Venue: in the whole country