Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome
leads city officials in saying prayers at the beginning of the ceremonies.
Phasakorn Channgam
Area residents bid farewell to the year’s Songkran festivities with
traditional rice festivals and “Kong Khao” ceremonies in Naklua and Nong
Yai.
Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome was the master of ceremonies at Lan Po Park in
Naklua as locals and tourists gathered for games and sports. Events included
slingshot contests, takraw hoops, sea boxing, pole-climbing and other
activities.
At 6:30 p.m., residents dressed as angels and fairies to parade around the
neighborhood, followed by a few dressed as devils to represent fear, hungry
for meat and desserts people put out according to ancient traditions.
Offerings of meat and sweets were made out of belief that giving to the
spirits without relatives is to make merit and prosperity for oneself and
family.
The day wrapped up with a concert by Pim C-For and Phai Pongsathorn.
A future star performs for the Nongyai community.
At Nong Yai Temple, MP Poramet Ngampichet presided at a
venue decorated in colored lights and paper flags. Children and local
residents put on stage performances.
Another angels and devils parade followed, with some water spraying before
festival-goers enjoyed dinner and dancing.
After a manic 10 days of Songkran water-fighting, the Kong Khao festival is
a polite, traditional way to herald the start of the Thai New Year. Thais
believe it will ward off evil spirits and the song, dance and good feelings
will usher in a year of prosperity and good luck.
Learning early how to line
dance in public.
Taking aim in the slingshots
competition.
Angels and fairies parade,
spraying water on residents.
Actors give an amazing
Kanhachalee performance from ancient Thai literature.
For a fee, throw a bean bag
at a target - hit it and the girl drops into the water.
Pim C-Four wows the crowd with
her performance.
Phai Pongsathon is always a
crowd favorite.
Residents bringing meat,
sweets, and beverages to celebrate the Rice Festival.
Students from Pattaya School
#9 give a great performance.
Seaside boxing is loads of fun
for spectators.
The devils take their turn,
collecting meats and sweets from the crowd.
Youngsters climb greased
poles, trying to collect the cash at the top.
