Wan Ok Phansa

The day is celebrated in the Isan province by illuminated boat processions (Thai: ไหลเรือไฟ lai ruea fai , Northeastern Thai: ไหลเฮือไฟ lai huea fai ), 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.

Etymology

"Wan" (Thai: วัน) means "day", "Ok" (Thai: ออก) means "to exit; to leave", and Phansa (Thai: พรรษา) is the Thai word for Vassa. In the Dai people region of China, Wan Ok Phansa is called Open-door Day (Chinese: 开门节, Kāimén Jié) or Exit-Vassa Day (Chinese: 出洼节, Chūwā Jié).