Thailand Festivals & Events

OCTOBER 10 - 16, 2008
Nong Khai provincial centre

To mark the end of Buddhist Lent or ‘Ok Pansa’, communities in Northeastern Thailand or ‘I-San’ stage an annual celebration consisting of a grand procession of meticulously-carved wax castles, long-boat races and festive celebrations. On the final day of the festival, which falls on the end of the Buddhist Lent, local residents make a trip to the temples to make merit.

The Significance of ‘Ok Pansa’, the End of the Buddhist Lent
During his final incarnation and his seventh lent, in remembrance of his mother, Lord Buddha ascended to the heavens to deliver a sermon to his mother. There he resided throughout the entire period of the three-months Rains Retreat or the Buddhist Lent.

At the end of the Rains Retreat which falls on the first day of the waning moon of the eleventh lunar month, Lord Buddha returned to earth after teaching his mother in Thavatimsa heaven, descending by the Celestial Stairway comprising of the Silver, Gold and Crystal stairs.

Source: Tourism Authority of Thailand
www.TourismThailand.org