TRAVEL NEWS

Malai Khao Tok: The procession of decorated garlands to celebrate Maghapuja Day

20-21 February 2008
Venue: Mahachanachai County, Yasothon Province (531 km northeast of Bangkok)

From 20 to 21 February 2008 The Tourism Authority of Thailand Northeastern Office Region 2 and Yasothon Province proudly invite you to see their annual festival, “Malai Khao Tok Procession”, at Mahachanachai County. The procession is part of Buddhist rituals to celebrate Maghapuja Day, which falls on 21 February this year.

And according to the local belief, the Lord Buddha came down to earth to give a sermon to his mother on Maghapuja Day. On this joyous occasion, divine beings celebrated the event and worshipped the Buddha by scattering flowers and popped rice (Khao Tok) down to earth’s surface.

In Mahachanachai County, Malai Khao Tok, a series of strings of beautifully decorated garlands made from the best available popped rice, is woven to a length of about 4-6 m. The popped rice garlands or Malai Khao Tok represent the celestial flower and popped rice, which are offerings to the Buddha on Maghapuja Day.

The Malai Khao Tok Procession will make its way around the town before stopping at Wat Ho Kong to present all the garlands to the monks. The ritual is unique and can only be seen in Mahachanachai County, hence it is a good chance for tourists to join this merit making ceremony. This spectacular procession is regularly held one day before Maghapuja Day. Apart from Malai Khao Tok Procession, there are cultural performances at night and you can also visit other tourist attractions in Yasothon and Si Sa Ket Provinces.

Among the fascinating works of art are sand sculptures representing the Chaipattana aerator, an award-winning invention patented by His Majesty the King; Bhumibol Dam, royal rainmaking, His Majesty's ‘Micro Mod' sailing boat, a jazz band, Mae Fah Luang Gardens and Doi Tung Royal Villa, the first royal residence of Her Royal Highness Princess Srinagarindara, the Princess Mother, the late mother of His Majesty the King of Thailand. HRH the Princess Mother dedicated her life to the conduct of royally-sponsored developmental initiatives for the benefit of the country and its people and endeared herself to the Thai nation. Her contribution to humanity was recognised by UNESCO in its description of the Princess Mother as a “World Great Personality of the 20th Century”.



For more details please contact The Tourism Authority of Thailand Northeastern Office Region 2 on tel. +66 (0) 4524 3770 and 4525 0714

Source: thaiwaysmagazine.com

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