Buddhist Lent Festival in Laos (July - October)

In Laos, Buddhist Lent is a period of three lunar months during the rainy season (around Mid July – Mid Oct). The purpose is a rain retreat for monks and novices, which considered staying in the same lace (Temple) to strictly practice the Buddha’s rules.

The back ground of this event was while Buddha was still alive, in the rainy season monks went out and begged for food (Alms) and they had to walk through the rice fields which was the planting season, and caused the  land to muddy up. One thing there would have been insects and animal come out during this period, and it was difficult for monks to concentrate on them while walking. Therefore, citizens had sent this request to Buddha to consider, and he finally announced this period to be a retreat meditation. Monks and novices were not allowed to overnight somewhere else, in case of family conditions (somebody dead, illness etc….) but had to get back to temple within 7 days.

The Buddhist lent is not only for Monks and novices but also reflected to Buddhists lay people who choose to observe Versa by adopting more ascetic practices, such as giving up meat, alcohol, or smoking. The events start from 15^th Full moon of the lunar calendar with crowds of Buddhists coming out for alms giving. Every mid and the last day of the lunar months during these times will be always have special events. And at the end of the Buddhist lent, there will be more colorful and joyful events for Buddhists start from Alms giving in the morning, boat racing in the afternoon and light floating in the evening. Your trip in Laos will be more remarkable if you can join these typical events. You should plan your travel dates to Laos in Buddhist Lent period.