Isan Festivals

Phra That Phanom Homage-paying Fair Phra That Phanom Temple, Nakhon Phanom 26 January - 1 February 1999/ 24-28 January 2000 Nakhon Phanom, on the bank of the Mekong River, is the site of the famous Phra That Phanom which enshrines a relic of the Load Buddha and is regarded as a symbol of Northeastern Thailand. This annual seven-day fair attracts thousands of devotees who pay homage at the shrine and enjoy numerous forms of entertainment.

Dok Lam Duan Ban Festival The Princess Mother Memorial Park, Si Sa Ket 5-7 March 1999/ 3-5 March 2000 The three-day festival features performances by members of different ethnic groups, a light and sound show, a beauty contest and local product sales. Bun Phawet Fair The Princess Mother Park in Bueng Phlan Chai, Roi Et 6-7 March 1999/ 4-5 March 2000 This fair features Khao Phan Kon processions, highlighting the 13 Episodes depicted in the Buddhist Text Mahachat Jataka; light and sound presentations of an interpretation of the story of Vessandara; and noodles and local delicacies prepared on site for participants of the celebrations. Thao Suranari Fair Thao Suranari Memorial Plaza, Nakhon Ratchasima 23 March - 3 April 1999/ 21 March - 1 April 2000 This annual fair is a tribute to the local heroine who rallied town's people against invaders during the 1800s. Celebrations customarily feature fireworks displays, colorful processions, cultural displays and exhibitions, and beauty contests.

Phanom Rung Fair Phanom Rung Historical Park, Buri Ram 3-4 April 1999 / 1-2 April 2000 Located on a hilltop over-looking a spectacular landscape, Phanom Rung is an impressive Khmer temple dating from the early part of the Angkor period, adorned with superb stone carvings. The temple complex is the centrepiece of this fair, which also features various exhibits.

Makong Friendship Festival Nakhon Phanom 9-11 April 1999/ 7-9 April 2000 Nakhon Phanom, on the bank of the Mekong River, was the host of Thai-Lao friedship meetings. Now it is established as a meeting place for people of Myanmar, Cambodia, China, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam to enjoy arts and cultural performances, handicraft demonstrations, sports competitions and souvenir sales. Dok Khun-Sian Khaen Festival Bueng Kaen Nakhon, Khon Kaen 11-13 April 1999/ 9-11 April 2000 This festival is part of the local Songkran (traditional New Year) merit-making ceremonies. Celebrations include paying homage to revered Buddha images and shrines, respectfully pouring water on elders' hands, offering food to monks, beauty contests, floral floats and Northeastern folk entertainment. Yasothon Bun Bang Fai Rocket Festival Phaya Thaen Park, Yasothon 8-9 May 1999/ 6-7 May 2000 Northeastern villagers fashion rockets of all kinds, some of them several metres long. The launching is believed to ensure plentiful of rains during the coming rice planting season. High-spirited revelry accompanies the event, with beauty parades, folk dancing and stage shows. Phi Ta Khon Festival Amphoe Dan Sai, Loei June of July 1999/ June or July 2000 The festival has its origin in a Buddhist tale. When Prince Vessandara, the Buddha's penultimate incarnation, returned to his city, the welcoming procession was so delightful that spirits emerged to join in the celebration. Phi Ta Khon Processions feature young men who dress as spirits to accompany a sacred Buddha image and tease villagers. Monks recite the story of the Buddha'' last great incarnation before attaining enlightenment. This festival features contests of masked dances and processions. All tourists are welcome to participate.

Candle Festival Thung Si Muang Park, Ubon Ratchathani 27-28 July 1999/ 25-26 July 2000 The commencement of Phansa, or the Buddhist Rains Retreat (known in Thai as Khao Phansa), is observed in the Northeastern city of Ubon Ratchathani with this lovely festival that highlights artistic skills as well as religious devotion. Beautifully carved beeswax candles, some of them several metres tall, are put on show in colourful parades before being presented to local temples.

Wax Castle and Boat Racing Festival Wat Phra That Choeng Chum, Sakon Nakhon 21-24 October 1999/ 19-22 October 2000 Northeasterners celebrate the end of the annual Buddhist Rains Retreat (Ok Phansa) by creating beeswax miniature Buddhist temples and shrines (wax castles) in the belief that merit thus accrued will enable them to determine their future rebirth. After wax castles are ceremoniously paraded throughout the provincial capital and presented to temples, the province's annual regatta takes place amid cheerful festivities the following day. Illuminated boat Procession Mekong River, Nakhon Phanom 21-25 October 1999/ 19-23 October 2000 Located on the bank of the Mekong River, the provincial capital of Nakhon Phanom observes Ok Phansa (the end of Buddhist Rains Retreat) by setting intricately decorated boats, each containing a lighted candle, adrift on the river when night falls. Entertainment is also provided in the town during the several days of the festival. 5,000 Year Ban Chiang Cililisation Celebrations Ban Chiang World Heritage Site, Udon Thani 22-24 October 1999 / 20-22 October 2000 Celebrations at this Bronze Age civilisation site include art and cultural processions, handicraft shows, exhibitions, international and local sports events, light and sound presentations, Thai dance performances and as academic seminar. Buri Ram Traditional Boat Races Mun River, Buri Ram 6-7 November 1999 / 4-5 November 2000 This annual regatta is staged on the Mun River in Buri Ram's Satuek district. Celebrations include processions and cultural performances featuring elephants. Visitors have the opportunity to visit the nearby Phanom Rung Historical Park.

Phimai Long-boat Races and Festival Prasat Hin Phimai, Nakhon Ratchasima 12-14 November 1999 / 10-12 November 2000 This event features a light and sound presentation at Prasat Hin Phimai, local art and cultural performances, cooking and folksong competitions, local products sales and exhibition and traditional long-boat races.

Surin Elephant Round-up Surin Main Stadium, Surin 20-21 November 1999 / 18-19 November 2000 Internationally famous, this annual event brings crowds of visitors to the provincial city of Surin, where some 100 trained elephants are assembled. Among the spectacular shows are wild elephant hunts, tug-of-war between elephant and men, demonstrations of log-pulling skills, and a parade of elephants outfitted for medieval warfare. Silk Fair Khon Kaen City Hall, Khon Kaen 29 November - 10 December 1999 / 27 November - 8 December 2000 Everybody has heard of Thailand's lustrous silks. Khon Kaen is one of the major centres of silk production. Many shops offer the beautiful fabric at this fair, which is held alongside the traditional Phuk Siao (friendship-marking) ritual. Festive processions and cultural shows enhance the atmosphere.

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