NONG KHAI I-SAN GRAND SONGKRAN FESTIVAL
April 6 – 18, 2011
At Wat Pho Chai temple and Hat Chomani beach near the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge that spans the Mekong River
With the neighbouring country of Lao PDR on the opposite bank of the Mekong River, Songkran celebrations in the northeastern province of Nong Khai is a combined Thai-Lao Songkran festival, with rituals, cultural performances, folk games and cuisine, reflecting a shared heritage.
The procession of the Luang Pho Sai Buddha image is a long-standing tradition which is still being observed till this day.
Highlights
- Procession of the highly revered Luang Pho Phra Sai Buddha image, highly revered by Thai and Lao communities on both banks of the Mekong River.
- Gain insight into traditional customs, traditions and way of life during the Songkran Thai New Year celebrations.
- Other entertainment activities typically featured include traditional folk games and sports, beach sports, swim across the Mekong River, folk and cultural performances, the popular Miss Songkran beauty contest; and street fairs offering sales of local handicrafts, souvenirs and other products from the sub-districts of I-San (northeastern Thailand).
Activities
- Buddhist merit-making — the presentation of rice and dry foodstuff to Buddhist monks and temples as merit-making offerings for an auspicious start to the new year
- Procession of Luang Phor Phra Sai from Wat Pho Chai
- Songkran water-splashing on both sides of the Mekong
- A special presentation highlighting the three cultures of the Mekong River
Contact information:
Tourism Authority of Thailand, Udon Thani Office
Tel: +66 (0) 4232 5406-7
Fax: +66 (0) 4232 5408
E-mail: tatudon@tat.or.th
Credit: Tourism Authority of Thailand (www.tourismthailand.org)
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