OK PHANSA – TAK BAT DEVO FESTIVAL

October  29, 2023

At Wat Thai Washington, D.C.

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After being restricted to their temples for three months learning the Dhamma and practicing meditation, Buddhist monks once again return to their social duties.  At the end of Buddhist Lent, it  is  time  for  another  big celebration, referred to as “Ok Phansa.” Thai Buddhists celebrate this occasion by offering food and gifts to monks.

The legend of Ok Phansa is that the Lord Buddha retreated to heaven to deliver a sermon to his mother who had died seven days after his birth.  After staying there for three months,  he completed his mission and returned to earth. People welcomed his return with great joy and excitement. Even the gods and goddesses joined in the ceremonies welcoming the Lord Buddha.

The traditional “Tak  Bat  Devo” is derived from the word “Devorohana,” which means the return of Lord Buddha from Heaven to Earth.   According to a Buddhist myth, after Lord Buddha had proclaimed his doctrines and delivered a sermon to his father and relatives, he stayed with his mother, who had died after giving birth to him and was born again in Heaven.

Schedule

Sunday, October 29, 2023

6:00   a.m.        Morning chanting by the monks and congregation
7:00   a.m.        Breakfast served to the monks and congregation
10:00  a.m.       Religious ceremony:  Chanting by the monks
10:15  a.m.       Sermon in Thai by the Abbot
10:30  a.m.       Offering food to the monks (Tak Bat Devo)
11:00  a.m.       Lunch served to the monks
11:30  a.m.       Lunch for the congregation
Wat Thai Washington, D.C.

13440 Layhill Rd, Silver Spring, MD 20906 / Tel.  301- 871-8660-1