(L to R) Bangpra Mayor
Somjet Ketwattha, Chonburi PAO President Wittaya Kunplome and Panthusak
Ketwattha announce the upcoming festive event.
Phasakorn Channgam
Bangpra is upsizing is traditional Songkran celebration,
this year throwing its grandest Hae Phaya Yom procession and Thai New Year
festival April 17-18.
Chonburi Provincial Administrative Organization President
Wittaya Kunplome unveiled the plans and schedule for the Sriracha event
April 2 at Chonburi’s Municipal Sports Stadium. He said Chonburi has
allocated 1 million baht this year to expand the traditional celebration of
Phaya Yom, a beneficial god of the sea and wind.
Bangpra Mayor Somjet Ketwattha explained that Phaya Yom
is believed to be a guardian of the Bangpra beach community. During times of
strong storms, residents have prayed to the deity and the waves and wind
have subsided. The parade honoring Lord Phaya, Somjet said, is unique to
Bangpra.
The festivities begin at 7 p.m. April 17 with the
“Pathomboth Bangpra Nariyabaan” music and light show filled with
performances incorporating local traditions so today’s youth can pass on the
customs, he said.
A figure of a seated Lord Phaya Yom then will be carried
to drumbeats from Bangpra Market to the beach where rice and dried food is
offered to the spirits. After the merit-making ceremony, residents will turn
the statue toward the sea and let it be carried into the water, setting free
bad spirits and bring peace to the community. Games and entertainment will
follow.
For more information call 038-357-999 or online at
BangphraChon.go.th.
