The annual ‘rains retreat’, when young men enter the monkhood during the rainy season, a period often referred to as ‘Buddhist Lent’, concluded yesterday with the traditional holiday Wan Org Pansa.
The event today, presided over by Patong Deputy Mayor Lalita Maneesri, began at 7:30am and was attended by local government officials, members of the Patong Municipality Council, and local residents from throughout the town.
The ceremony, organised by the Patong Municipality Education Office, aimed to educate children, youth, the public and tourists about Thailand’s rich cultural traditions, said an official report of today’s event.
Participants were encouraged to make merit by offering alms to monks, a practice believed to bring good fortune to individuals and their families.
A procession of 20 monks walked from Wat Suwan Kiriwong, collecting alms such as rice and dry food from residents along Phisit Gorani Rd.
The event concluded at Wang Khi On Waterfall Learning Centre, where the monks continued to receive offerings, and participants came together to uphold the time-honoured tradition.