Devotees turn out for start of Buddhist Lent

Festivities to celebrate the beginning of Buddhist Lent, known as Boun Khaophansa, began yesterday with devotees making merit by giving alms and taking part in candlelight processions.
In the morning, participants eagerly attended village temples for the important tradition of almsgiving, which was followed in the afternoon by religious activities such as dharma preaching, prayers, and meditation. 

The day ended with colourful evening candlelight processions, which attracted large groups of people.
The festival marks the start of Buddhist Lent, a period when many folk commit to clean living by reducing or avoiding drinking and smoking or other bad habits.
Monk Khamchone at Vat Haisok in Chanthabouly district said “Lent is the most important and meaningful time for monks and novices because they have to stay in one temple for three months and learn more of Buddha’s teachings, purify their minds, and practice meditation.”
“During this period people enjoy making merit by making offerings, and some set goals to improve their lifestyle by changing their ways and doing more good deeds,” he said.
Ms Bualoy, a devotee from Xaysettha district, said she enjoyed taking part in the morning almsgiving and other activities.
“It’s good that Lent has begun again and some people will give up bad habits like drinking and smoking. It helps to remind people that it’s good to stop drinking and smoking and discourages anti-social behaviour. It’s good for Lao people to continue this fine tradition because it helps to preserve our culture,” she added.
Buddhist Lent, known as Khaophansa, is the annual three-month rains retreat, and an important religious event in Laos.
During this time, monks are required to remain in one particular temple.
The end of Lent falls on the full moon day of the 11th lunar month (this year on October 13) with colourful celebrations followed by the boat racing festival in Vientiane.

By Visith Teppalath
(Latest Update July 17, 2019)