Lao Buddhist followers flocked to pagodas near their houses on October 13 for Bun Ork Phansa that marks the end of Buddhist Lent or three-month retreat during the rainy season. (Photo: VNA) Vientiane (VNA) – Millions of Lao Buddhist followers flocked to pagodas near their houses on October 13 for Bun Ork Phansa that marks the end of Buddhist Lent or three-month retreat during the rainy season.
During Buddhist Lent, which begins on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, monks are required to remain in their temples, learning dharma and practicing meditation.
There are neither weddings nor parties in the period, except religious ones.
After Boun Ork Phansa, Buddhist monks return to their social duties and a range of major festivals will be held in the next nine months.
In the morning of the festival, people present offerings to resident monks. In the afternoon, candlelight processions are held around temples in celebration of Lay Heua Fai. The Mekong River becomes illuminated with small boats made of banana leaves, decorated with flowers candles.
Such rituals have been practised in Laos for thousands of years./.
VNA
