Vatsa (redirected from Ho Khao Slak)

Vatsa (Ho Khao Slak)

June-July to October-November; full moon of Asadha to the full moon of Karttika

Vatsa, also known as Ho Khao Slak, is the Laotian observance of Waso or the Buddhist Rains Retreat. It begins later in the year than the traditional season observed in many other Buddhist communities, and the customs associated with it are also slightly different in Laos. But it is still a three- or four-month period when Buddhist monks must stay in one place in retreat rather than remain on the move.
People draw the name of a monk in the local monastery and bring him a gift of food, flowers, or one of the eight essential items that Buddhist monks are permitted to own (a robe, an alms bowl, a belt, a razor, a needle, a filter with which to strain water, a staff, and a toothpick). Parents often give toys and candy to their children as well. At the end of the festival, boat races are held on the rivers at Vientiane, Luang Phabang, and Savannakhet.

SOURCES:
RelHolCal-2004, p. 221
WrldBuddhism-1984, p. 57