Events for 2002

What is Taak Bath? In Buddhist tradition, Taak Bath refers to the offerings made to monks. Items given consist of basic food and water. Taak Bath takes place on holy days that are determined based on the lunar cycle. However, Taak Bath can occur on any event that Buddhists consider special. In Buddhist nations, Taak Bath is observed every morning. Monks from local temples would walk around villages with black alms bowls. As tradition dictates, local residents would wait for the procession of monks to pass by their homes so that they can deposit food in the bowls. Relying on the generosity of the people is their only means of sustenance.

What is Boon? Boon means a day of celebratory gathering. As an adjective, Boon means a person who possesses good and holy qualities that every deed that he does always bring good luck to him and everything around him. In every context, Boon always denotes something that brings goodness and happiness.

Date	Event
January 1	Taak Bath for New Year
January 27	Makhaboosa
February 17	Boon Taak Bath
April 13 - 14	LAO NEW YEAR APRIL 13 - 14.Lao Buddhists observe the lunar calendar. New Year is celebrated on April 13-15. However, in western nations where Buddhism is not predominant, New Year is celebrated closest to April 13 - 15 and on a weekend that is most convenient for local followers. Some Lao communities celebrate New Year on the Good Friday weekend because many businesses are closed for Easter. April 2002 marks the beginning of the Buddhist Era 2545.
April 28	Boon Visakha Boosa: Visakha Boosa is the observation of the Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and death.
May 12	Taak Bath
June 16	Pi Ti Soud Sam Ra Bane
July 28	Boon Khao Pansa and Vanh Asaha Boosa: Khao Pansa marks the beginning of Buddhist lent. It is observed in the full moon of the eight lunar month, typically in July.
August 18	Boon Taak Bath
September 8	Boon Hor Khao Padab Dinh: This Buddhist event pays homage to deceased relatives. The day is marked by offering morsels of food that represent a variety of dishes to the dead. This meal is traditionally placed in banana leaves and left outside or on a fence post for the spirits to consume.
September 22	Boon Hor Khao Salark: This Buddhist event commemorates the same holy gathering as Boon Hor Khao Padab Dinh except the pantheon of food is not placed outside. Food items to be offered to the deceased are placed in baskets. Names of the deceased are placed in a container to be picked by the presiding monks. The food baskets are offered to the monks. The monks then offer special prayers for the spirits whose names they've chosen. Since the monks can not personally offer prayers for all the deceased, a lottery system is utilized. Thus the name 'Boon Hor Khao Salark'. Salark means lottery.
October 20	Boon Pavorana Ork Pansa: This day marks the end of Buddhist lent. It also marks the end of the rainy season.
November 24	Boon Tat Luang

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