Thailand Festivals and Events 2010

Hightlight Festivals and Events on April - June 2010

Songkran, 13 to 15 April,  is a national festival best known for the copious quantities of water thrown from buckets on unsuspecting passers-by, who quickly appreciate how cooling this fun-filled festival really is especially during the peak of the summer heat wave. 

There are serious elements, too, such as the annual bathing of Buddha images carried out at temples and homes across the country. Children sprinkle water on the heads of elders to pay respect. In this gentle incarnation, the festival reflects the time-honoured traditions of a nation that respects age and the role of seniors in a family environment.

While the religious and cultural aspects are not forgotten, this three-day festival certainly majors on the fun of splashing friends, and even strangers, with a bucket of water, or any other container that comes in handy.
Everyone takes it in good spirits, laughing and returning the pleasure in good measure.   It also helps that this is the hottest month of the year and a bucket of icy cold water might not be exactly what the doctors ordered, but it relieves the stress and discomfort as the mercury rises.  

 

Date: 1 - 30 Apr 2010
Name: Poi Sang Long Ceremony
Venue: In Mae Hong Son Municipality, Mae Hong Son province

The Poi Sang Long ceremony in Mae Hong Son is a Buddhist novice ordination ceremony, but it is unlike any other ceremony of its type in the country. Young boys aged between 7 and 14 are ordained as novices so they can spend time studying Buddhist doctrines. It is believed that by pursuing ordination for their parents, they gain merit.

The origins of this festival lie in Buddhist legend. It is believed that the tradition follows in the footsteps of Prince Rahula, the Buddha's own son, who gave up his worldly life to follow his father's spiritual teachings. Prince Rahula became the youngest ordained monk and the first novice in Buddhism. Subsequently it became a tradition for young boys to be ordained so they can undertake the study of Buddhist teachings. With deep reverence for the Buddhist religion, the local residents in Mae Hong Son province are of the view that the celebrations should be as grand as possible.

For more Infomation:
TAT Mae Hong Son Office :Tel. +66 (0) 5361 2982 – 3

 

Date: 5 May 2010 - 9 May 2010
Name: Yasothon Bun Bangfai Rocket Festival
Venue: Phaya Thaen Park, Mueang District, Yasothon

Rocket festivals are held throughout the region and in neighbouring Laos, but Yasothon residents, noted for their sense of humour, inspire an event that draws international visitors attracted by a hilarious three-day party. It embodies I-san’s ability to rise above the hardships of tilling the land.

Ironically, at any other time of the year, Yasothon is a sleepy northeast town that hardly warrants a second glance. Rarely visited by tourists, it is overshadowed by its neighbour Ubon Ratchathani, 98 km to the southeast. Considered the prime tourism gateway to the lower I-san region, Ubon Ratchathani’s airport is served by both the national airline, Thai Airways International, and low-cost airlines. It is possible to hire a car at the airport and drive northwest on Highway 23 to Yasothon.

For more information:
TAT Ubon Ratchathani Office
Tel : 66 (0) 4524 3770-1, 66 (0) 4525 0714
Yasothon Municipality Office
Tel : 66 (0) 4571 1397 Ext. : 112

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