Maya, the mother of Buddha died a week after Buddha was born. She was reborn in the celestial abode of Tavatimsa as a god named Santusita. To honour his mother, Buddha ascended to the Tavatimsa Heaven and preached from the Abhidamma texts to Santusita for three months.
Buddhist Lent begins on Esala Full Moon Poya (July) and lasts for three months. During this time, Monks will stay inside their temples and rely on alms from devotees. The full moon in Vap marks Buddha’s return to earth and signifies the end of Buddhist Lent.