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Chak Phra Festival
Chak Phra or Lak Phra Festival is influenced by Indian culture,
which expanded into the province a long time ago. The festival signifies
the joy that people had when Lord Buddha returned from a star and
the Lord was invited to sit on a throne and carried to a palace.
In practice, locals would bear a Buddha image holding a bowl in
a procession around the city. This is a great way for escape from
daily routine and it is a fun competition to find who is the most
religious. Held in October, the festival is preceded by activities
7 days before, such as beating drums, playing castanets and decorating
the ceremonial throne for the image. The actual ceremony is usually
held only on the last day of the Buddhist Lent. People would take
the image from the temple in the morning and proceed to Benchama
Rachuthit School in Amphoe Muang. This is also done in front of
Ron Phibun district office. In addition, there is a water-borne
procession on Pak Phanang River in Pak Phanang, which coincides
with an annual boat race for a trophy from the Crown Princess.
Festival of the Tenth Lunar
Festival of the Tenth Lunar Month is a grand event of the province
and of southern Thailand. This festival is held from the 1st waning-moon
night to the 15th waning-moon night every September. It is held
to pay respect to deceased ancestors. According to Buddhism beliefs,
the dead had many sins and was sent to hell to become a demon. The
demons are allowed to come up to meet their relatives for 15 days
in September, but must return to hell before sunrise of the 15th
day. The livings try to appease the spirits by taking food to temples
to make merit. Beginning on the 13th day, people will go shopping
for food to be given. The 14th day is spent preparing and decorating
the food tray, and the 15th day is the actual merit-making day.
The tray presented nowadays has elaborate designs but still retains
traditional components. Contests to find the most beautiful tray
are held. A magnificent procession proceeds along Ratchadamnoen
Road on the 14th day.
Hae Pha Khuen That Festival
Hae Pha Khuen That Festival is celebrated at Phra Borom That Chedi.
The pagoda is considered to be the representative of Lord Buddha
and is believed by locals to possess unsurpassed might of righteousness
as it contains holy relics. Every year Buddhists pay homage to the
pagoda by organizing a procession bearing a religious cloth to wrap
around the pagoda to bring good fortune and success. This festival
is held twice a year during Makha Bucha Day (the 15th full-moon
night of February) and Visakha Bucha Day (the 15th full-moon night
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