Khao Phansa

Asahna Bucha Day is one of the most important events in the Buddhist calendar commemorating the occasion when Buddha delivered his first sermon. The exact date of Asahna Bucha varies from year to year depending on the lunar calendar, but usually falls in July or August. Asahna Bucha Day is a public holiday in Thailand and although most businesses remain open as usual, government offices are closed.
The day after Asahna Bucha is known as Wan Khao Phansa and marks the start of the three-month ‘Phansa‘ period. This is the rains retreat period when monks would traditionally stay within the confines of their own temple. The Phansa retreat period is sometimes referred to as ‘Buddhist Lent’.