20-26 October 2007
Venue: The Mekong River, Nakhon Phanom, Thailand
The Illuminated Boat Procession is held annually on the evening of Ok Phansa day (the end of Rains Retreat) on the Mekong River in Nakhon Phanom province. This year, it falls on 26 October but the festival period starts from 20 to 26 October 2007. It is a marvelous and resplendent event of the northeastern part of Thailand.
As night falls, the majestic 'fire boat', elaborately adorned with flowers, incense sticks, candles and lanterns and each bearing an assortment of ritual offerings, are set alight and floated down the Mekong River. Against the darkness of the moonlit night, the sight of flickering light from candles and lanterns on magnificent 'fire boat' drifting downstream on the Mekong River, is both mesmerising and awe-inspiring. It is this enchanting spectacle that has given the water-borne procession its very name, Lai Rua Fai, which literally means to set afloat a 'fire boat'.
The event is regarded as an act of worship to the Lord Buddha on the occasion on his coming back to the world after preaching to his mother in heaven. People will illuminated their boats to show their respect. Originally, the boat used to be illuminated was made of bamboo or banana trunks, being adrift on the river with bright colourful lights. At present, the boat is made of wood in a large size and more beautifully decorated than before. If you have a chance to witness the event, you will never forget the impressive sights.
Interesting Activities
- The Illuminated Boat Procession (26 Oct)
- The Illuminated Boat Procession (26 Oct)
- Beauty Contest (21 Oct)- Illuminated Boat Shows from Thailand-Laos-Vietnam
- International Long-Boat Races
- Light & Sound Show in honour of His Majesty the King
- Cultural Performances- Walking Street & Indigenous Food Festival
- Traditional Dance to venerate Phanom Stupa (26 Oct)
- Food Offering to Buddhist monks (27 Oct)
For more information, please contact :
Northeastern Office: Region 4
Tel: +66 (0) 4251 1490 to 2
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