Roi Et “Somma Nam Khuen Pheng Seng Prathip” 2018
The Roi Et “Somma Nam Khuen Pheng Seng Prathip” tradition is one of the province’s most important Buddhist events. This year, it takes place on 21-22 November, at Suan Somdet Phra Srinagarindra Roi Et and Bueng Phlan Chai Roi Et.
Literally translated, “Somma Nam” means to pay respect to the river, “Khuen Pheng” means the full moon night, “Seng” means competition, and “Prathip” means the ‘krathong’ vessel. Hence, the “Somma Nam Khuen Pheng Seng Prathip” is a tradition of paying respect to the river on the full moon night and the krathong competition.
The tradition is also considered an important ritual to worship Buddha using the river as a way to present the offerings; a krathong carrying flowers, candles and joss sticks.
On the first day, 21 November, activities include:
- Ceremony to worship the city’s pillar shrine
- “Ram Wong” traditional circle dance contest
- Eco-friendly krathong contest
- Processions of the royal trophy and Krathong
- Mass “Ram Wong Somma Nam” circle dance by 1,000 dance duos
- Light-and-sound show on the history Saket Nakhon (former name of Roi Et)
- Thida Saket Nakhon beauty pageant
- Live music performance
On the Loi Krathong day, 22 November, activities include:
- Ceremony to worship and pay respect to the city’s sacred objects, held concurrently at six important locations
- Opening ceremony of the 20th “Somma Nam Khuen Pheng Seng Prathip” 2018
- Processions of krathong from 12 contemporary cities
- Lighting and floating of the Royal Krathong
- Light-and-sound show on the history Saket Nakhon
- Loi krathong activity
- Live music performance
For more information, please contact:
Roi Et Municipal Office
Tel: +66 (0) 0 4351 1222
Tourism Authority of Thailand Khon Kaen Office
Tel: +66 (0) 4322 7714
Email: tatkhkn@tat.or.th
