Khao Phansa is a traditional Buddhist festival celebrated every July. It is dedicated to the beginning of the religious fast and the three-month rainy season. Like most Buddhist holidays, it has an ancient history and is very beautiful.
The history of Khao Phansa dates back to the times when Buddhist monks tried not to leave the temples throughout the rainy season, so as not to inadvertently suppress the young shoots of plants and insects. More than one century has passed since then, but many priests still sacredly honor this custom and spend three months in temples, meditating and comprehending Buddhism.
At this time, all followers of this movement are instructed to lead a correct lifestyle with special care, not to commit any inappropriate actions and give up bad habits. During the rainy season, monks try to tell about the teachings to as many people as possible, especially young people, instructing them on the true path. During this time, many parents send their children to the temples to learn the basics of the teachings. It is believed that it was at this time that the Buddha ordered his followers to gather in groups and spread the wisdom of Buddhism to all comers.
The Khao Phansa holiday also has a secular side - this is the time of the candle festival. Residents of Thailand mold many candles of various shapes and sizes, light them and carry them through the streets of the city for everyone to see such beauty. And then they present curly candles to their relatives, friends or monks. According to legend, the one who makes such a gift will surely be lucky.
And in the Saraburi region, in addition to the candle festival, there is also a flower offering festival. Thousands of pilgrims from all over the world gather in the legendary Buddhist temple Wat Phra Buddha to present the Teacher with many flowers, among which there is necessarily a ritual flower called the "golden swan". On the eve of the holiday, the temple is decorated with the most beautiful compositions of fresh flowers, which before this is carried through the entire city by a solemn procession.
