Buddhist Lent 2023
The Buddhist Lent will officially start on 2 Aug 2023.
Today, devotees gathered at Wat Ananda Metyarama for the Offering of Candles Ceremony.
Also known as Khao Phansa (Rains Retreat), the Sangha will often reside in the same monastery for three months and devote their time to the Dhamma.
This is as in the past, travelling during the rainy season could damage the rice fields. Thus, the Sangha ceased their travelling during this period.
As there was no electricity in the past, the villagers would offer candles to the Sangha – A symbolic gesture today.
