“Sea boxing” is always a big hit (pun intended) at the Rice Festival.
Phasakorn Channgam
With water guns thankfully packed away for another
year, Naklua and Nong Yai residents brought the annual Songkran
festivities to a close April 20 with the traditional Kong Khao rice
ceremony and festival.
Participants young and old dressed up in Thai
traditional costumes to march in a cheerful parade and paid respect to
gods and goddesses people believe protect them throughout the year.
Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome was the master of ceremonies
at Lan Po Park in Naklua as locals and tourists gathered for games and
sports. Events included slingshot contests, sea boxing, pole-climbing
and other activities.
At 6:30 p.m., residents dressed as angels and fairies
to parade around the neighborhood, followed by a few dressed as devils
to represent fear and hungry for meat and desserts people put out
according to ancient traditions.
The day wrapped with a concert by Blueberry and Kung
Sutthirat.
At the Nong Yai Temple, former MP Sonthaya Kunplome
and Pattaya City Council members presided at a venue decorated in
colored lights and paper flags.
Children and students from Pattaya School No. 4
performed and angels and devils again paraded through the streets before
festival-goers enjoyed dinner and dancing.
After a manic 10 days of Songkran water-fighting, the
Kong Khao festival is a polite, traditional way to herald the start of
the Thai New Year. Thais believe it will ward off evil spirits and the
song, dance and good feelings will usher in a year of prosperity and
good luck.
Actors in the angels &
fairies parade sprinkle holy water on residents for good luck.
Pretty young girls perform
an enchanting ancient dance.
Devils and demons parade
around the grounds, taking the offered food.
Steady, steady, fire …
aiming for the bullseye in the slingshot competition.
Residents truly enjoy the
Sawang Silp traditional dance.
Actors perform a skit from
Kanhachalee, ancient Thai literature.
The hoop takraw
competition draws the area’s top contenders.
Some of the youngsters
become extra resourceful, trying to reach the 500 baht at the top of the
greased pole.
