Preparing for the end of Buddhist Lent in Phana

It will be the end of  Buddhist Lent (awk phansa) on Sunday and in Phana the celebrations will be held at Wat Burapha this year.

People have been making preparations for some days now despite several other things going on to distract them. One of the things that people have been asked to contribute towards is a draw or raffle. So they have been taking items to the wat as offerings. Doubtless the same people (Pensri and me included) will be buying the tickets on Sunday and might even win back what we donated. Here is how far the draw prizes had reached by Friday afternoon:

 

Back in April, at the Wat Phra Lao annual fair, I won a basket made of green, stripped bamboo. I stored several things in it while we were away in UK and put the basket under the stairs. When we came back my things were in good condition but the basket had been almost completely eaten by some small insects that are otherwise harmless but they love bamboo! Well, everything is subject to impermanence, isn't it. Even so, I think I'll go for something plastic if I'm a lucky winner again this year.

The monks and novices who have been in residence at Wat Burapha since the beginning of phansa are busy about the wat compound getting things ready. For many of them this must be a relief because they were taking exams earlier in the week.

 

 

The draw won't be the only opportunity to make a donation to the wat. These alms bowls, one for each day of the week, will get their share of notes and coins. You are invited to put a donation into the bowl representing the day of your birth.

Preparing for the celebration had to be postponed for several days because of the heavy rain which went on without stopping for two days and two nights. We were on the edge of Tropical Storm Ketsana, which thankfully passed us by on Thursday evening. Anyway, I'm sure everything will be ready when it is needed on Sunday morning. Somehow, despite the way that arrangements for this kind of event seem disorganised and chaotic, everything always is ready, and everyone will have a thoroughly good time.