Vassa

Vassa (Pali: vassa-, Sanskrit: varṣa-, both "rain") is the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada Buddhists.

[3][4] For the duration of Vassa, monastics remain in one place, typically a monastery or temple grounds.

[4] Some Buddhist lay people choose to observe Vassa by adopting more ascetic practices, such as giving up meat, alcohol, or smoking.

It ends on Pavarana, when all monastics come before the sangha and atone for any offense that might have been committed during Vassa.

[4][non-primary source needed] Many Buddhist ascetics live in regions which lack a rainy season.