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 Pai Sang Long Procession |
| This is the celebration of novice ordination which the Thai Yai
tribal people hold to be a highly meritorious occasion. Traditionally, the candidate-novice, his head cleanly shaven and
wrapped with head-cloth in the Burmese style, will don a prince-like garment, put on valuable jewels and gems and ride a
horse or be carried over the shoulders of a male relative to the city shrine. Then he will visit Abbots of various Wats to
beg for forgiveness. On the eve of ordination, a procession of offerings and other necessary personal belongings will be
paraded through the town streets and then placed at the next day. It is usually held between March and May before the
Buddhist Rain Retreat period. Today the tribesmen are encouraged to hold several processions at the same time with the
result that they have become a major tourist attraction. |
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Chong Para Procession |
The 'Chong Para' in the Thai Yai dialect means a castle made of
wood, covered with colorful perforated papers and decorate with fruits, flags and lamps. It is placed in the courtyard of
a house or a monastery as a gesture to welcome the Lord Buddha on his return from giving sermons to his mother in heaven,
according to traditional belief. The rite is held during the post-Rain Retreat season from the full moon day of the 11 the
Lunar month to the waxing moon night of the same month.
Another activity to celebrate the occasion is dancing in which the performers are dressed in animal costumes. This is
based on the belief that during those long-gone days, both humans and the animal kingdom were equally joyful at the return
of the Lord Buddha and joined together in a jubilant performance as a tribute to the Enlightened One. |
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Bua Tong Blossom Festival (1 November - 15
November) |
Each year in November, the hillsides of Amphoe Khun Yuam and
Amphoe Mae Sariang are filled with a host of golden Bua Tong blooms. As fresh as daisies and almost as large as
sunflowers, the Bua Tong only blossoms for 15 days, a fine reason for Mae Hong Son province to hold the Bua Tong Blossom
Festival over this period at Amphoe Khun Yuam.
At Amphoe Khun Yuam's Doi Mae U-Kho, the blossoms appear in profusion. Specialists previously classified these Bua Tong as
weeds and because of this, they began to be cleared to make way for cash crops. Fortunately, researchers have discovered
the flower's insect-repellent properties. Perhaps for this reason, rather than our enjoyment, they are now a secure part
of the annual scene? Whatever, Bua Tong, a symbol of Mae Hong Son, is here to stay on the hillsides. |
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Loi Krathong Festival |
| Loi Krathong Festival is held on the full moon night in the month
of November every year. Villagers make 'Krathongs' to float in rivers. At Nong Chong Kham, various entertainments and a
contest of large krathongs are held near the central pond. Lamps and candles are lit all around the area. At Wat Phra That
Doi Kong Mu, there is a ceremony to release candle-lit krathongs bound to balloons (known as 'Loi Krathong Swan') to the
evening sky. |
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Tea
Tasting Festival |
| This is anually
held in February to promote tea products of the Rak Thai village. The
activities include hot tea tasting, tea-making demonstrations combined
with cultural shows. Visitors can also enjoy riding a horse around the
village. |
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