Naklua and Nong Yai residents brought the annual Songkran festivities to a close April 20 with the traditional Kong Khao rice ceremony and festival. Events included slingshot contests, the always funny sea boxing (shown above), pole-climbing and other fun activities. In the evening, residents dressed as angels and fairies for a parade and to pay their respect to their gods and goddesses for luck.
Songkran comes to exciting close in Naklua, Nong Yai with Kong Khao festival
With water guns thankfully packed away for another year, Naklua and Nong Yai residents brought the annual Songkran festivities to a close April 20 with the traditional Kong Khao rice ceremony and festival.
Participants young and old dressed up in Thai traditional costumes to march in a cheerful parade and paid respect to gods and goddesses people believe protect them throughout the year.
Naklua and Nong Yai residents brought the annual Songkran festivities to a close April 20 with the traditional Kong Khao rice ceremony and festival. Events included slingshot contests, the always funny sea boxing (shown above), pole-climbing and other fun activities. In the evening, residents dressed as angels and fairies for a parade and to pay their respect to their gods and goddesses for luck.
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, 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 and hungry for meat and desserts people put out according to ancient traditions.
The day wrapped with a concert by Blueberry and Kung Sutthirat.
“Sea boxing” is always a big hit (pun intended) at the Rice Festival.
At the Nong Yai Temple, former MP Sonthaya Kunplome and Pattaya City Council members presided at a venue decorated in colored lights and paper flags.
Children and students from Pattaya School No. 4 performed and angels and devils again paraded through the streets 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.
Actors in the angels & fairies parade sprinkle holy water on residents for good luck.
Pretty young girls perform an enchanting ancient dance.
Devils and demons parade around the grounds, taking the offered food.
Residents truly enjoy the Sawang Silp traditional dance.
Steady, steady, fire … aiming for the bullseye in the slingshot competition.
Actors perform a skit from Kanhachalee, ancient Thai literature.
The hoop takraw competition draws the area’s top contenders.
Some of the youngsters become extra resourceful, trying to reach the 500 baht at the top of the greased pole.
