Religious ceremonThe Buddhist lent is called Khao Phansa in Thai. The ceremony itself concerns the monks who declare their intention of remaining in the middle of the eighth lunar month. The custom of spending the rainy season in a temple or fixed abode has been undertaken since the time of the Buddha. This is due to it being difficult to travel and also Lord Buddha did not want monks to spoil the crops of the villagers when they travelled on foot. He also liked the monks to use this time for special study of his teachings. Khao Phansa is a popular festival with people participating as groups or individuals. The festival involves the offering of merit-making. This could be food or other items that the monks will find of use during their period of retreat. Parades are usually carried out to carry a Lent candle through the village to the temple. The candle is to remain there throughout Lent.