Wan Ok Phansa


Wan Ok Phansa 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.
The day is celebrated in Isan by illuminated boat processions, notably in Nakhon Phanom Province on the Mekong and in Ubon Ratchathani 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 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 a lanterns, around the night of Wan Ok Phansa.
Launching the boats symbolizes your wishes but also getting rid of unnecessary negative feelings.

Etymology

"Wan" means "day", "Ok" means "the exit; the way out", and Phansa is the Thai word for Vassa.

Dates for Wan Ok Phansa

ZodiacDateDateDate
Rat27 October 199614 October 20081 October 2020
Ox16 October 19974 October 200920 October 2021
Tiger5 October 199823 October 20109 October 2022
Rabbit24 October 199912 October 201128 October 2023
Dragon13 October 200030 October 201217 October 2024
Snake2 October 200119 October 20137 October 2025
Horse21 October 20028 October 201426 October 2026
Goat10 October 200327 October 201515 October 2027
Monkey28 October 200416 October 20163 October 2028
Rooster18 October 20055 October 201722 October 2029
Dog7 October 200624 October 201811 October 2030
Pig26 October 200713 October 201930 October 2031