Khon Kaen’s stunning boat festival draws crowds to Phong River
Khon Kaen province hosted a grand boat-floating festival on the Phong River, attracting a large number of local and international tourists.
Sila Municipality Mayor Pairat Thaveewan aims to elevate this event to an annual provincial celebration, showcasing beautifully crafted boats by local artisans.
The event started at 8.30pm yesterday, October 17, at Wat Tha Rat, Ban Dong Phong, Sila subdistrict, Mueang district, Khon Kaen province. Ekkarat Changlao, MP for Khon Kaen District 4 from the Bhumjaithai Party, presided over the opening ceremony of the 2024 Sila Municipal Boat Floating Festival.
Sila Mayor Pairat attended the event along with municipal executives, council members, village heads, community leaders, government and private sector representatives, and numerous tourists.
The festival featured various activities, including traditional dances from different villages in the Sila subdistrict, a parade of model boat floats, performances by the Elderly and Disabled Care Centre, and a performance by students from Ban Kota School.
Additionally, there was a ceremony paying homage to the Goddess Ganga, the release of floating lanterns, a boat-floating procession, a star-picking activity to raise funds for the temple, and traditional folk performances. The event drew a considerable number of Thai and international tourists who participated in the activities and enjoyed the festivities.
Pairat highlighted the charm of the boat-floating festival at Ban Dong Phong. He explained that the community comes together to decorate and embellish the boats, which are then offered to the Goddess Ganga as a Buddhist tribute. Ban Dong Phong, located along the Phong River, provides a picturesque setting for the event.
The strong collaboration between the temple and the community, as well as the unique local identity, have contributed to the festival’s continuity each year. The municipality has coordinated with district council members, community leaders, and the temple’s clergy to organise the boat-floating festival annually in this village, reported KhaoSod.
“It’s well-known that on the day of the Buddhist Lent, Ban Dong Phong is the only village in Khon Kaen that holds a boat-floating and lantern-floating festival. This year marks the second time the municipality has collaborated with the community to elevate the event from a village festival to a subdistrict and eventually a provincial annual event.
“This year, there are four boat floats: the central boat of the municipality and three boats from different districts, all designed and crafted by local artisans. These boats beautifully represent the identity of the Sila community.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why does the boat-floating festival in Ban Dong Phong hold such significance for the local community?
It symbolizes unity, cultural heritage, and religious tribute, fostering strong community bonds.
How might the boat-floating festival impact tourism in Khon Kaen if it becomes an annual provincial celebration?
It could significantly boost local tourism, drawing more visitors and stimulating the economy.
What if the boat-floating festival were expanded to include modern artistic elements alongside traditional crafts?
It might attract a broader audience, blending old and new, enhancing cultural appreciation.
What role do local artisans play in the success of the boat-floating festival?
They create beautifully crafted boats, showcasing local craftsmanship and unique cultural identity.
How do traditional activities, like the homage to the Goddess Ganga, enrich the boat-floating festival experience?
They add depth to the festival, connecting participants to ancient traditions and spiritual practices.
