December

TAK BAT DOK MAI FESTIVAL Date 29 Decembe 2550 - ३० December 2550 Place Activities The Tak Bat Dok Mai floral offering merit-making ritual is unique to Saraburi province. This ritual stands out from the merit-making activities conducted in the other parts of Thailand because in addition to the offerings of cooked rice, food, incense, candles and other conventional sacred items, the Tak Bat Dok Mai ritual includes offerings of Dok Khao Phansa flowers that only come into bloom during the Buddhist Lent, hence the origin of its name. Some villagers call the flower Dok Yung Thong (golden peacock) or Dok Hong Thong (golden swan flower). The Dok Khao Phansa is a native species of forested hill-slopes, and is most commonly found in Saraburi province. A member of the Globba family, the flower is similar to galingale or turmeric and is just over 25 centimetres in height. The plant somewhat resembles the "krachai" or aromatic ginger with flowers in large white, yellow, yellowish-violet, or violet and blue sprays. The yellow flowers have smaller violet petals that give it a striking appearance. As the Dok Khao Phansa becomes an increasingly rare find these days, lotus, jasmine and rose have become acceptable alternatives for these floral offerings. The residents of Amphoe Phra Phutthabat have observed this tradition of making floral offerings since ancient times and it has now become a significant provincial event. The "Tak Bat Dok Mai" floral merit-making ceremony is performed at the Wat Phra Buddhabat Woramahaviharn - Shrine of the Holy Footprint, a highly revered ancestral place of worship and a national landmark, in the Phra Buddhabat District of Saraburi province. In the morning of the first day of the Buddhist Lent, residents of the community engage in merit-making activities by presenting offerings to the resident monks at the Wat Phra Buddhabat temple. Later in the morning, young couples venture out into the forested foothills to gather the Dok Khao Phansa flowers. Meanwhile in the district area, the candle procession and the "Tak Bat Dok Mai" procession head towards the temple courtyard. As a prelude to the floral merit-making ritual which takes place in the afternoon, a variety of traditional folk games and cultural performances are featured. Contests such as the long-drum dance, candle and Thai costume contests keep the audience entertained. In preparation for the "Tak Bat Dok Mai" merit-making ritual, Buddhist devotees line up along both sides of the street forming a long line that extends from the "mondop" or seven-tiered temple spire and trails back along the streets. This forms a passage along which hundreds of monks and novices file past to accept sacred offerings. The monks then ascend to the Shrine of the Holy Footprint where the offerings received are in turn presented as a tribute to the Lord Buddha. Once the ritual has been completed, the Buddhist devotees pour water over the feet of the monks and novices in the belief that in doing so, the sins of the worshippers are washed away. EVENT HIGHLIGHTS Merit making with steamed rice Processions of candles, Buddha images and long drums Merit making with flowers Information Contact information: TAT Central Region Office: Region 6 Tel: +66 (0) 3524 6076-7 Fax: +66 (0) 3524 6078 E-mail: tatyutya@tat.or.th. Date(s): December2007 Venue: World Trade Centre, Bangkok The Tourism Authority of Thailand has realized the importance of Thai food that becomes popular in the world. Therefore, TAT arranges the event for Thai-food lovers and foreign visitors. Thai Food exhibition and demonstration, cultural shows and concerts, beer gardens, food stalls. Date(s): 1 December 2003-31 January 2007 Venue: By the Mekong River, Ubon Ratchathani and Amnat Charoen Ubon Ratchathani is a major tourist destination in the Northeast of Thailand The province welcomes visitors to come and enjoy its beauty. Re-enactment of cave life, watch the sun go down at Pha Taem, Pha Laeng style dinner, a photo contest and other celebrations. Date(s): 29 November-6 December 2007 Venue: Phuket, Krabi, Phang-Nga The Regatta first took place in 1987, during the year celebrating His Majesty the King's 5th cycle, and has been held annually ever since. International participation in the regatta. For more information, please contact the Office of the Secretary Tel: 66 (0) 7627 3380 Date(s): 2 December 2007 Venue: The Royal Plaza, Bangkok This event is celebrated every year before the King's Birthday. Their Majesties the King and Queen preside over this impressive annual event, held in the Royal Plaza near the equestrian statue of King Chulalongkorn. Dressed in colourful uniforms, amid much pomp and ceremony, members of the elite Royal Guards swear allegiance to the King and march past members of the Royal Family. Date(s): 5 December 2007 Venue: Nationwide H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej was born on 5 December. The deep reverence felt by all Thais for their King is perhaps unique in the modern world, and his birthday provides an annual occassion for public expression. Government buildings, businesses, and homes all over the country are eleborately decorated and the area around the Grand Palace is spectacularly illuminated. Date(s): 7-10 December 2007 Venue: Phuket Following immediately on from the King's Cup Regatta, Phuket hosts Thailand's first International Boat Show. This exciting new show, set in the region's premier boating destination, has attracted exhibitors from around the world, and will include a minimum of 80 exhibitions in air-conditioned marquees at the waterside, with a further 30 on-water exhibits. The show will be open to exhibitors in all aspects of the marine industy. In addition to local boat builders and international manufacturers in the marine supplies and marine service industries, the 30 on-water exhibits will be an opportunity for visitors to inspect a variety of sleex pleasure craft-from fast sports sailing boats and leisurely catamarans made in Phuket, to superb luxury motor yachts from famous international manufacturers. For more information, please contact Mr.Andy Dowden-IMAGE asia Tel: 66 (0) 7628 2198 Fax: 66 (0) 7628 3059 Mobile: 66 (0) 1892 7670 E-mail: boatshow@image-asia.com and www.image-asia.com/boatshow.htm Date(s): 12-14 December 2007 Venue: Anusonsathan Yutthanawi Pier at Chang Island, Trat Chang Island is getting more popular at the present time. Its management has been supported by the Thai government. Fishing Contest, Student Environmental Awareness Competition, various government sector exhibitions, folk festival food sale, local souvenirs, tours of nearby vicinity. Date(s): 13-19 December 2007 Venue: Ayutthaya Ayutthaya, a former Thai Capital was the centre of trade, administration, and civilization for 417 years. The Capital was designated a World Heritage site by UNESCO on 13 December 1991. The Historical Park is home to many ruins and artefacts. Bangsai Arts and Crafts Centre of H.M. Queen Sirikit of Thailand is also close by.World Heritage Listing Exhibition, recreation of local market of yesteryear Ayutthaya Art and Culture Exhibition, stalls, and Ayutthaya Yot Ying Fa Light and Sound Show.In, Ayutthaya Art and Culture Exhibition, stalls, and Ayutthaya Yot Ying Fa of Light and Sound Show. Date(s): 25-31 December 2007 Venue: Chom Nan Chaloem Phra Kiat Park, Phitsanulok Phitsanulok is an important province in Thailand. It arranges many events and festivals each year. This time it comes with food celebrations. Food stalls, souvenirs, Export Product Fair, Thai Food and Dessert Demonstration, concerts and shows, street shows. Date(s): 31 December 2003-1 January 2007 Venue: Bangkok This event is arranged to celebrate the New Year at the same time with other places in the world. Miss Bangkok Friendship 2003 Pageant, Special Fireworks, Laser light show, Modern Local Art. Date(s): 30-31 December 2007 Venue: Hat Yai, Songkhla Hat Yai District is well-known among tourist as a major tourist destination in the south of Thailand. This time it organizes the event to celebrate the New Year with joy and fun. Art and Culture Show, Light and Sound Show, Fancy Dress Parade, Local Food Stalls.