However, in 1983, the provincial government of nakhon phanom revived the festival and organized a competition for the best-decorated boat so as to encourage people to take an interest in the festival again after 8 years of neglect. Happily , the festival and boat decoration competition are now held annually and it has become one of the most eagerly a waited festivals in nakhon phanom, attracting huge numbers of locals and tourists alike. Which only goes to show that, despite an 8 year full , the festival 's importance and continue to enjoy it, not because it is their ancestors ' special way of celebrating ok phansa day