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Wan Ok Phansa (Thai: วันออกพรรษา, pronounced [wān ʔɔ̀ːk pʰān.sǎː]; literally "day of going out of Vassa", ออก in Thai meaning exit or leave) is the last day of the Thai-Lao observance of Vassa. It occurs in October, three lunar months after the beginning of Vassa, known as Wan Khao Phansa (Thai: วันเข้าพรรษา).[1]
| Wan Ok Phansa | |
|---|---|
| Official name | Thai: วันออกพรรษา |
| Observed by | Lao and Thai Buddhists |
| Type | Buddhist |
| Frequency | Annual |
The day is celebrated in the Isan province by illuminated boat processions (Thai: ไหลเรือไฟ lai ruea fai [lǎj rɯ̄a fāj], Northeastern Thai: ไหลเฮือไฟ lai huea fai [lǎj hɯ́a fáj]), notably in Nakhon Phanom Province on the Mekong and in Ubon Ratchathani city on the Mun River.
The main ceremonies feature boats of 8–10 metres in length, formerly made of banana wood or bamboo but now sometimes of other materials. The boats are filled with offerings such as khao tom (glutinous rice sweets wrapped in banana leaves) and decorated on the outside with flowers, candles and lamps. The boats are launched in the evening.
Additionally, some celebrants individually launch their own, smaller, vessels. Boat races also take place around this time in many places throughout the country as a way to please the Nāga spirits. Along the Mekong River, people launch little hot air balloons, acting as lanterns, around the night of Wan Ok Phansa.
Launching the boats (or the lanterns) symbolizes one's wishes but also getting rid of unnecessary negative feelings.
"Wan" (Thai: วัน) means "day",[2] "Ok" (Thai: ออก) means "to exit; to leave",[3] and Phansa (Thai: พรรษา) is the Thai word for Vassa.
| Zodiac | Date | Date | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rat | 27 October 1996 | 14 October 2008 | 2 October 2020 |
| Ox | 16 October 1997 | 4 October 2009 | 20 October 2021 |
| Tiger | 5 October 1998 | 23 October 2010 | 9 October 2022 |
| Rabbit | 24 October 1999 | 12 October 2011 | 28 October 2023 |
| Dragon | 13 October 2000 | 30 October 2012 | 17 October 2024 |
| Snake | 2 October 2001 | 19 October 2013 | 7 October 2025 |
| Horse | 21 October 2002 | 8 October 2014 | 26 October 2026 |
| Goat | 10 October 2003 | 27 October 2015 | 15 October 2027 |
| Monkey | 28 October 2004 | 16 October 2016 | 3 October 2028 |
| Rooster | 18 October 2005 | 5 October 2017 | 22 October 2029 |
| Dog | 7 October 2006 | 24 October 2018 | 11 October 2030 |
| Pig | 26 October 2007 | 13 October 2019 | 30 October 2031 |
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