Makha Purami Si Prachin Festival: February 5th – 14th

[Jai Dee]

Makha Purami Si Prachin Festival

The Province of Prachin Buri, located some 134 kilometres from Bangkok, is working together with the government sector and the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s central regional office in the 8th district in holding Makha Purami Si Prachin (มาฆปูรมีศรีปราจีน) Festival. The purpose of this fair is to continue the Buddhist traditions in telling the stories relating to Makha Bucha (มาฆบูชา) Day.

The Provincial Governor of Prachin Buri, the Provincial Administration Organization, the Provincial Cultural Office, the Provincial Office of Fine Arts, and the TAT are jointly organizing Makapuramisri Prachin Festival, and this event has reached its 20th anniversary.

The fair will be held near Morakot (มรกต) Lake in Sri Mahosot (ศรีมโหสถ) District of Prachin Buri Province from February 5th – 14th. The location of this event will be divided into various sections such as archaeological and religious sites. Visitors can witness Lord Buddha’s Footprints, which were carved on a natural laterite stone. According to the Indian ancient belief, the footprints were carved to pay respect to Lord Buddha, and also denoted that the Lord had come to the area in the past.

Participants can take part in many activities in this festival. You can wear white clothes and perform religious practices such as meditation and listen to the Buddhist prayers. You can also witness the most ancient and largest carved Lord Buddha’s Footprints in Thailand. In addition, you can offer foods to the monks from various districts of Prachin Buri in this event as well.

Apart from all these religious activities, you can visit the ancient city of Sri Mahosot (ศรีมโหสถ) and enjoy the light and sound cultural displays. You can enjoy and learn the history and the development of Buddhism in Thailand. Also, OTOP and local products will be on sales.

The Makha Purami Si Prachin Festival is expected to draw in an enormous number of local and foreign tourists alike, especially Buddhists from around the world.

For further details, please call Prachin Buri Cultural Office at 0-3745 2125-6, and the TAT’s central regional office in the 8th district at 0-3731-2282 or 0- 3731-2284. You can also log on to www.tat8.com.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 01 Febuary 2006