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CELEBRATIONS TO MARK THE END OF BUDDHIST LENT
October 10 – 16, 2008
Nong Khai provincial centre |
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| To mark the end of Buddhist Lent or ‘Ok Pansa’, communities in Northeastern Thailand or ‘I-San’ stage an annual celebration consisting of a grand procession of meticulously-carved wax castles, long-boat races and festive celebrations. On the final day of the festival, which falls on the end of the Buddhist Lent, local residents make a trip to the temples to make merit.
The Significance of ‘Ok Pansa’, the End of the Buddhist Lent
During his final incarnation and his seventh lent, in remembrance of his mother, Lord Buddha ascended to the heavens to deliver a sermon to his mother. There he resided throughout the entire period of the three-months Rains Retreat or the Buddhist Lent.
At the end of the Rains Retreat which falls on the first day of the waning moon of the eleventh lunar month, Lord Buddha returned to earth after teaching his mother in Thavatimsa heaven, descending by the Celestial Stairway comprising of the Silver, Gold and Crystal stairs.
Delighted by the news of Buddha's return to earth once again, Buddha's disciples and followers prepared to receive him with offerings of food and other sacred items being presented. ‘Tak Baht Devo’, the Buddhist merit-making ritual performed on the final day of the festival signals the end of the Buddhist Lent, originates from the word "Devorohana" and refers to Buddhist celebrations marking the special occasion of the return of the Lord Buddha to earth, as mentioned in ancient Buddhist tales.
| PROGRAMME |
CELEBRATIONS TO MARK THE END OF BUDDHIST LENT
October 10 – 16, 2008
Nong Khai provincial centre |
| 10 – 16 October 19.00 – 22.00 |
Giant Krathong Contest and Exhibition
Along the bank of the Mekong River from Wat Lamduan to Wat Sirimahaja… |
10 – 16 October
18.00 – 23.00 |
- Food Street
offering local cuisine, many of which feature Vietnamese influence. A great variety of dishes, such as grilled fish, spicy minced fish (miang pla, laab pla), are prepared with fish freshly caught from the Mekong River or raised in fisheries along the river.
- Stage performances
Along the embankment of the reservoir from Wat Boonrueang to Wat Srisumung |
12 – 13 October
19.30 |
The Legend of the Naga light-and-sound presentation
Along the embankment near Wat Lamduan |
13 – 15 October
09.00 – 17.00 |
Traditional Long-Boat Races Along the bank of the Mekong River from Wat Pho Chai to Wat Sirimahakatjai |
14 October
08.00 – 16.30 |
Traditional Wax Castle Contest
From Wat Mahasoke pier to Wat Sirimahakatjai pier |
14 October
18.00 onwards |
Giant Krathong floats are set adrift on the full moon night of the eleventh lunar month of the Buddhist calendar when the Mekong River is in full flow. Along the bank of the Mekong River from Wat Meechai to Wat Sirimahakatjai |
15 October
06.00 onwards |
Tak Baht Devo Rohana Buddhist merit-making ritual
Along the road that runs past the Nong Khai Municipal Office |
15 October
09.00 – 17.00 |
Traditional Long-Boat Races Cheerleading Contest Along the bank of the Mekong River from Wat Paapraow to Wat Sirimahakatjai |
15 – 16 October
19.00 – 23.00 |
Stage entertainment
Along the embankment near Wat Lamduan |
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Contact information:
Tourism Authority of Thailand, Udon Thani Office
Areas of Responsibility: Udon Thani, Nong Khai
Tel: +66 (0) 4232 5406-7
Fax: +66 (0) 4232 5408
E-mail: tatudon@tat.or.th
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IMPORTANT
Event dates and programme details may be subject to change.
Many of the festivals and events listed on Thailand's official calendar of annual events are traditional Buddhist or folk festivals, the date of which is either determined by the Buddhist lunar calendar and waxing and waning moon. These are not staged events. The festivals reflect the rhythm of life in rural Thai villages and local traditions as observed in times past. To ensure you have the most updated information, please reconfirm details prior to travel.
Contact:
Tourism Authority of Thailand
Email: info@tat.or.th
Website: www.tat.or.th
Tel: +66 (0) 2250 5500 (120 automatic lines)
Fax: +66 (0) 2250 5511 (two automatic lines)
FOR EVENT INFORMATION,
please call 1672.
Address:
1600 Petchaburi Road, Makkasan, Rajatevee
Bangkok 10400
Thailand |
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