NAKHON PHANOM, Oct 7 (TNA) – The northeastern province of
Nakhon Phanom has kicked off its annual illuminated boat procession festival
called Lai Reua Fai.
Lai Reua Fai which is considered one of Thailand’s most
spectacular cultural festivals is held this year between October 6 and 14.
Marking the end of Buddhist Lent, tens of thousands of local
people, Buddhist faithful and tourists flocked the festival venue of the bank
of the Mekong River in Nakhon Phanom city.
Each night, illuminated raft and boat built to depict
mythological serpents or ‘Naga’ in Thai will float down the Mekong River.
The boats are loaded with food, flowers, incense sticks,
candles and handmade lanterns as offerings.
As they float in the river, it is believed to wash away people’s sadness
and life’s troubles away.
On October 13, 12 districts of Nakhon Phanom will join an
illuminated boat contest, which is the highlight of the Festival. Twelve teams representing 12 districts of the
northeastern province have used their craftsmanship to create their lively
spectacles. The boats’ length range from
50 to 10 meters, illuminated with tens of thousands of lanterns.
Lai Ruau Fai Festival is a cultural display of religious
belief for residents to pay respect to Lord Buddha at the end of the Buddhist
Lent.
The Festival has drawn over 100,000 of tourists to Nakhon
Phanom, home of the much-respected stupa Phra That Phanom. (TNA)
