"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