The End of Buddhist Lent Alms-Round is particularly special, as monks who have been confined to the temple for three months now process through the community. Community members line the alms route offering especially abundant food and gifts to honor the monks' disciplined practice. Following the alms-round, a ceremony takes place where monks formally declare the end of their Vassa (Rains Retreat) obligations. The temple is typically decorated with colorful lights and lanterns symbolizing the Buddha's luminous descent. Many communities celebrate with a festival atmosphere including boat races, floating lantern ceremonies (lai heua fai), and processions with candles and flowers. The evening often features the release of floating lanterns on water and flying lanterns into the sky, symbolizing the release of negativity and the sending of merit to all beings. This day also traditionally marks when new monks and novices may be ordained and when monks may change their residence.