"Wan Phen Phut" (Full Moon Wednesday) Also known as Peng Put Day, this midnight almsgiving tradition invites great luck, based on the belief that Phra Upakut appears to aid beings. Check the worship method, money blessing tips, and mantras to enhance life’s auspiciousness.
Getting to Know "Wan Phen Phut" What is the Peng Put almsgiving tradition? "Wan Phen Phut," called "Peng Put" in Northern Thailand, is a religious and cultural phenomenon occurring when the 15th lunar day (full moon) coincides with Wednesday. Some years, it aligns with important Buddhist days like Asalha Puja or other significant dates according to ancient Lanna beliefs. It is believed that on this full moon Wednesday night, Phra Upakut, a powerful arahant, emerges from his retreat beneath the ocean’s navel, transforming into a novice monk to help beings in the human world. Those who make merit by giving alms or worshiping Phra Upakut at this time gain great merit, enjoy abundance, become wealthy, have strong health, and enduring love.
For the Peng Put or midnight almsgiving, Lanna Buddhists prepare rice and dry food from Tuesday evening and go out to offer alms to monks at midnight (entering Wednesday). This is a long-standing cultural tradition.
According to faith and belief, worshiping Phra Upakut is commonly accompanied by requests in the following areas:
Tips and steps for worshiping Phra Upakut on Wan Phen Phut If unable to attend the midnight almsgiving ceremony at the temple, you can set up an altar at home following these steps:
1. One small bowl of cooked rice or sticky rice.
2. One glass of clean water, three incense sticks, and one pair of candles.
3. A picture or statue of Phra Upakut (if no statue is available, save a photo of Phra Upakut on a smartphone and display it during the ritual).
Always check that incense and candles are fully extinguished before going to sleep for safety.
Wan Phen Phut (best time to chant is at midnight, or early evening as convenient).
(Begin with three recitations of Namo)
Upakutto ca maha thero samputthe na viyaka tomaranca marapalañca so ita nimaha thero namassitava patitto aham idaneva upakuttang ca maha therang yang yang upatawang chacang vithang seti asseto mahalabang bhavantu me.
Maha Upakutto ca mahalapo Puttolapang sappena pahuchana rajapuriso itiyomanang namo joramettajittang ehijittijittang piyangamama satewakang sabrammang manussanang sappalapang bhavantu me. Ehijittijittang panthang Upakutto ca maha thero Puttasavaka anuphavena marawichaya niraphaya techapunyanatachathe devatanampi manussanampi ehijittang piyangama imangkaya panthang atithami paayisuta Upacchai.
(After chanting, set your mind to wish for fortune, wealth, and success.)