Transcript Lai Reua Fai 168 Kb 03/11/14

"Lai Reua Fai“ Festival
Done by
MS. Jaranya Pratueng No.5
MS.Surapin Pongkan No. 15
Present
Teacher Jantana Khamanukul
"Lai Reua Fai"
Festival
The festival of the Illminated Boat Procession or
"Lai Reua Fai" in Thai and "Lai Heua Fai" in local
dialect is an ancient tradition of northeastern
people. In the past, the festival was held in several
provinces in this region, later only some provinces
still preserve this tradition especially Nakhon Phanom
Province where the annual event draws visitations from
different directions. It has end of Buddhist Lent.
Originally, the boats were made of banana logs
or bamboo but modern versions can be made of
wood or synthetic materials. A boat's length was
about 8 to 10 meters. Inside the boat, there were
sweets, steamed-sticky rice wrapped in banana
leaves (Khao Tom Mud) and other offerings while
the outside of the boat was decorated with flowers,
joss-sticky, candles and lamps. At night the fire
boats were launched on the Mekong River and
illuminated in a spectacular display.
The festival of the Illuminated Boat
Procession takes place at the end of the Buddhist
Rains Retreat or Ork Phansa (usually some time
during October). On this occasion, residents of
several villages will jointly observe Ork Phansa
by launching intricatedly decorated little boats
on the Mekong River when the night falls. Boat
racing and a wax castle procession are also
included in the festival.
The event was said to have carried down
from several generations as a means to worship
Lord Buddha who, according to Buddhist legend,
returned to earth after completing his 3-month
mission in heaven.
Meanwhile, the ceremony of launching fire
boats will usually be performed in the evening
before the sunset. Buddhist monks will be
invited to chant, give precepts and deliver a
sermon. However, the participants must bring
joss-sticks and candles to take part in a religious
rite. As soon as the sun's rays disappear, the
boats will be lit and launched on the Mekong
River to worship Lord Buddha.
At this time, in the middle of the Mekong
River, light in various shapes from the floating
boats can be seen from a long distance and this is
considered as a significant symbol to uphold
Buddhism. The event brings about happiness to
all Buddhists while foreign visitors will enjoy
watching a marvelous illuminated display.
Thank you