abstract:Vassa (from Pāli vasso, Sanskrit , both "rain"; , ; ; , sometimes ວັດສາ ; , phansa, or วรรษา, watsa) is the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada practitioners. Taking place during the rainy season, Vassa lasts for three lunar months, usually from July (the Burmese month of Waso, ) to October (the Burmese month of Thadingyut ).