July

Date(s): 13-14 July 2007 Venue: Si Mueang Field, Ubon Ratchathani Buddhists have long observed the tradition of the candle procession, during Buddhist Lent, in reverence of the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. Once upon a time, candles used to be rolled the length of the circumference of ones head and used during Lent, and were offered to the monks together with oil, other offering, and bathing cloths. As time passed the intricacies in design evolved and improved into those that are seen today. Receiving the Royal Lent Candle, Candle Beauty Pageant, Candle Competition, Pha Khao Laeng style dinner, alms giving, Lent Candle Procession-those taking part in the procession being dressed in local dress, Local dances-Ram Tang Wai, Ram Klong Vao, Fon Phu Thai, Soeng Sa Wing. For more information, please contact the Ubon Ratchathani Provincial Office Tel: 66 (0) 4525 4827. Date(s): 13-14 July 2007 Venue: Wat Phra Phutthabat Ratchaworamahawihan, Phra Phutthabat, Saraburi According to legend, Phimphisan, king of Ratchakhrue received 8 handfuls of jasmine from Malakan, everyday. In return, Malakan was appropriately awarded. One day, while picking jasmine, Malakan saw the Buddha with his disciples going about their alms round. He also noted the 6-coloured aura (black, peat, crimson, Otard, bright red, praphatson) emanating from the Buddha. On seeing the aura, Malakan was filled with faith in the Buddha, and, not fearing the consequences of not having the requisite jasmine for Phimphisan, proceded to throw two handfuls into the Buddha's path. On the strength of his belief, the flowers circumvented Buddha's head three times and hovered in a sheet above Buddha's right hand. He threw another two handfuls, and the flowers once again circumvented the Buddha's head, this time coming to rest in a hover behind him. The last two handfuls came to rest above the Buddha's left hand. All the flower tips pointed towards the Buddha himself. Filled with rapture, Malakan paid his respects to the Buddha and developed a five-tiered aura, to the amazement of those around him. Those seeing the miracle then proceeded to follow the progress of the Buddha. On learning of the Buddha's approach from Malakan's wife, who was asking for a divorce from the latter lest she be punished alongside him for his lapse, King Phimphisan rushed forth to pay his respects to the Buddha, and followed him in all his faith. He also granted Malakan 8 each of elephants, horses, slaves, jewellery, thousands of kasapana, and maidens of good household with dowry, and houses. As a result of throwing the jasmines in the Buddha's path in worship instead of alms giving, Malakan was able to live peacefully thereafter. The legend has given rise to the tradition of Tak Bat Dok Mai to this day. The Festival is divided into three parts – In the morning we have traditional folk shows on the grounds of Wat Phra Phutthabat including concerts, Klong Yao competition, Krabi Krabong, Takro, etc. In some years there may also be an orchid contest and a flower-arranging contest. In the afternoon, the offering, Ram Thoet Thoeng Klong Yao, and agricultural produces processions move from Wat Phra Phutthabat School to Wat Phra Phutthabat.During the Tak Bat Ook Mai ceremony, the attendees flock to both sides of the path leading up to the spire in the North, each readying flowers to be offered to the monks. The monks are preceded by a Klong Yao procession that allows the gatherers the opportunity to offer the flowers to the monks as they move towards the spire. The crowd would then move to the Southern side of the spire connected to the Study Hall with bowls of water filled with bullet wood or jasmine flowers for washing the monks' feet. The flower offerings are taken by the monks to the Roi Phra Phutthabat, in worship. They then walk down in single file. Those gathered then use the leftover water in the bowls to cleanse their feet before entering the Study Hall to continue in their worship, in this instance, inviting positive criticism by others. Date(s): 20 July 2007 Venue: Pattaya, Chon Buri Pattaya is Thailand’s most well-known tourist destination, with many facilities both on land and at sea. Three categories Marathon 42.195 km. Half-Marathon 21.10 km. Water Marathon 10.55 km. Date(s): 25-27 July 2007 Venue: Lamai Beach and Chaweng Beach, Surat Thani Samui is a beautiful Island in the south of Thailand. It always welcomes domestic and international visitors. Local art and culture show, local sports-old style boat race, bazaar, Thai and local food festival, Miss Samui Festival Pageant, Coconut Dehusking Contest, Coconut Grating Contest, Monkey Climbing Contest, etc.