This year, the Chak Phra Festival will be held at the ceremonial grounds near the Tapi River on Na Mueang Road and Ban Don Road. On 9 October, 2014, or 1 day after the Ok Phansa Day, the grand celebration will take place with a boat hauling Surat Thani’s principal Buddha image that sits on a raft adorned with huge nagas. Held concurrently on land, sleigh-like floats bearing Buddha images and flags and parasols will parade across the ceremony routings of the town.
On the same day, Buddhist monks will mark the end of the three-month Buddhist Lent by receiving alms in the traditional kathin ceremony. Surat Thani celebrates its own unique version that sees locals hanging “Phum Pha Pa” or offerings on tree branches in front of houses, schools and office buildings the night before. The hanging of offerings is a celebration of its own with locals attentively decorating the town with beautifully-packed alms as well as lights and paintings depicting the life story of Buddha.
During the nine-day festival, the annual Surat Thani Long Boat Races will also be organised with participating racing teams from provinces in the South of Thailand. The winning team will receive the royal cup of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. Other highlights include the decorated floats contest, Phum Pha Pa contest, light and sound presentation on the Tapi River, cultural performances, local products sales, photo exhibition and tourism activities.