On Thursday and Friday in Thailand, there were many candle processions around the country. From my office at school, I heard at least four pass nearby. We are about to enter Khao Phansa which is a kind of Buddhist Lent. This lasts for three months and during this time many people will try to refrain from vices such as alcohol and cigarettes. This period is also called the Rains Retreat as monks are not allowed to wander between temples. They also cannot defrock. Most schools in the country took part in candle processions where they paraded to their local temple with a one metre high candle and other offerings for the monks. The idea is that the candle is big enough to stay alight throughout the Rains Retreat. Students from my school also went to a local temple on Friday. We did the usual procession clockwise around the temple three times before entering to take part in some chanting and to listen to a sermon. We were doing it early because Monday and Tuesday is a public holiday. Most students will go to their local temple again with their family.

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