The first to descend from his heavenly abode is believed to be the god Shiva,know in Thai as Phra Isuan. He visits earth for ten days during which a number of ceremonies and cerebrations are held in homage.As god of fertility in the Hindu pantheon, Shiva symbolizes the power of procreation in humans and animals, and is the force that endows the earth with good harvest. Thus the festival was an appeal for abundant rainfall in the approaching monsoon season.