TAT Invites Tourists To See Poy Sang Long Parade

[Jai Dee]

TAT invites tourists to see Poy Sang Long Parade

The Tourism Authority of Thailand organized Poy Sang Long ceremony of Mae Hong Son on the 4th and the 5th of April at Pa Pao Temple In Chiang Mai Province.

Following the preparation of the Arts and Culture Fair in Chiang Mai Province from April 1st to 9th, the TAT has held another event to promote the ancient arts and culture of the Lanna tribe. This will help people understand and appreciate the traditional arts and culture of Lanna people.

One of the activities in this event is Poy Sang Long ceremony. The ceremony is a novice ordination among Thais and Burmese in Mae Hong Son Province during the month of March and May of every year. The day before the ceremony, Sang Longs (the novice-to-be) are shaved, bathed in four kinds of special water, including silvery, golden, turmeric and acacia powdered, and taken to the temple to receive the sacrament of Buddhist Five Precepts.

Earlier, the ceremony was held among close friends and relatives, but since 1981, the ceremony has expanded to about 200 monks for the celebration of the 200th anniversary of Rattanakosin’s reign. The ceremony is being held grandly and beautifully that it has continued to draw in many interested tourists.

Traditional dances, sword fighting display and other local activities were also being organized. Please call the Tourism Coordination Center in Mae Hong Son Province at 0-5361-2982-3, or visit ww.travelmaehongson.org to find out more details. You can also call the Municipality of Mae Hong Son at 0-5361-2615.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 11 April 2006