THE LENT ENDING DAY

The Lent Ending Day is known as Pavarada Day. At the end of three month, on the fullmoon of the eleventh lunar month (mid-October), Buddhists hold a ceremony to mark the termination of the Lent. Lay devotees go to a monastery in large number and share food with monks in the traditional way called Pindapata.

First the lay devotees, with bowls of rice, curries, and other offerings, line up at an appointed place waiting for the time. When all is in order, a signal is given to inform the monks in the monastery who would form a single or double file, according to seniority of ordination. With eyes cast down and food-bowls in hands, they walk slowly along the devotee's lines, receiving their offerings with compassion and grace. Thus they continue until the last devotee has had the opportunity to serve them his food. Then they all assemble in the main hall, where the lay followers perform other kinds of merits, such as, observing five or eight precepts, listening to a sermon, and meditation. Various cultural programs may also be staged to entertain and educate the people. There is much merriment and merit making all at the same time.

The above practice has its origin in a story allegedly connected with the Buddha. According to this, the Buddha once went to spend the rains retreat in Tavatimsa Heaven, where he delivered Abhidhamma to Mayadevaputta (his mother Maya in her previous life) and other gods. At the end of the Lent, he returned to earth to a happy welcome and great rejoicing and celebration. This was in the seventh year after the enlightenment. Accordingly, ceremonies and festivities are held in order to commemorate the event. The place where he came back to earth is called Sankassa City. It is in the North of India.