Wan Awk Phansa

End of Buddhist Lent. Wan Awk Phansa; literally “day of going out of Vassa”, in Thai meaning exit or leave) is the last day of the Thai-Lao observance of Vassa. It occurs in October, three lunar months after the beginning of Vassa, known as Wan Khao Phansa.
The day is celebrated in the Isan province by illuminated boat processions in Northeastern Thailand, notably in Nakhon Phanom Province on the Mekong and in Ubon Ratchathani city on the Mun River.

In Buddhist belief, Awk Phansa commemorates Buddha returning to earth from heaven. Buddha spent a three month retreat period in heaven where he visited his mother. On his return to the mortal world, Buddha’s followers presented him with gifts of food. On Awk Phansa Day, Thai Buddhists mark the event with a visit to the temple to make merit. The occasion is also celebrated with a number of different regional festivals across Thailand.

The main ceremonies feature boats of 8–10 meters in length, formerly made of banana wood or bamboo but now sometimes of other materials. The boats are filled with offerings such as khao tom (glutinous rice sweets wrapped in banana leaves) and decorated on the outside with flowers, candles and lamps. The boats are launched in the evening.

Additionally, some celebrants individually launch their own, smaller, vessels. Boat races also take place around this time in many places throughout the country as a way to please the Nāga spirits. Along the Mekong River, people launch little hot air balloons, acting as lanterns, around the night of Wan Ok Phansa.

Launching the boats (or the lanterns) symbolizes one’s wishes but also getting rid of unnecessary negative feelings.

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