Buddhist Lent in Chiang Mai

Posted by Northerner on July 15th, 2011 filed in Festival, Living here

The start of the three-month-long period of abstinence for Buddhists begins in July. In Thailand the start of the Lent period is marked by a festival known as Khao Pansa. The occasion remembers the first sermon delivered by the Lord Buddha and was also the start of the monsoon season when farmer’s traditionally planted their rice crops.

In olden times, monks were required to remain in the compounds of their temples as venturing outside may have resulted in trampling on young rice saplings or the abundance of insects found during the wet season. This time of year also sees an increase in the number of monk ordinations.

Lay people in Chiang Mai celebrate Khao Pansa by visiting their temples for prayers and to donate dried foods that will see monks through Lent. People also show their respect for monks by giving flowers and occasionally a new saffron-coloured habit. Unopened lotus buds are a particularly prized sign of esteem. Some Chiang Mai residents abstain from alcohol and meat and do not move house during Lent.

The actual date of Khao Pansa varies from year to year as it is dictated by the lunar and not the Gregorian calendar, but it falls on the day after the full moon in the eighth month. In October, Buddhist Lent finishes with a festival that locals refer to as Och Pansa.