Ullambana lierally means "deliverance from sufferings" and specially refers to the salvation of sufferings, afflictions, or worries of seven generations of fathers and mothers who are presently facing the sufferings of hungry ghosts and for the present father and mother to reach a hundred years without illness. This concept originates from the story of Mahamaudgalyayana who followed the principles and teachings laid down by Gautam Buddha to bring salavation to his seven generation of father and mother from all the sufferings and hunger. This day is celebrated Chung Yuan by Buddhists around the world, holding ceremonies of charity so that the outcast and famished ghosts may cross over to salvation. Thus, the 15th day of the seventh month has become an occasion for teaching the virtues of filial piety.

The Buddha said, "your mother's offenses are deep and firmly rooted. You alone do not have enough power to bring salavation to her sufferings". The awesome spiritual power of the assembled Sangha or monks of the ten directions is neceessary for the liberation to be attained.

The Buddha told Maudgalyayana: "The fifteenth day of the seventh month is the Pravarana day for the assembled Sangha of the ten directions. For the sake of fathers and mothers of seven generations past, as well as for fathers and mothers of the present who are in distress, you should offer pravarana food to the assembly of Sangha of the ten directions on Pravarana Day."

If one makes offerings to these Provarana Sangha, one's present father and mother, parents of seven generations, as well as the six kinds of close relatives, will escape from the three paths of sufferings. And at that time attain release.

Maudgalyayana followed the steps shown by Gautam Buddha and that helped her mother to obtain liberation from one kalpa of suffering as a hungry ghost.

From that days onwards this day is being celebrated and observed for bringing salvation to the sufferings of the past seven generation of father and mother and to bring in all biss in the lives of the present parents.