Nakhon Sawan Chinese New Year Festival 2007

Nakhon Sawan Chinese New Year Festival 2007 (Chao Pho Chao Mae Pak Nam Pho Fair and Procession)

11-22 February 2007

Venue: Utthayan Sawan (Nong Sombun Park), Kosi Road and the bank of the Chao Phraya River

Nakhon Sawan Chinese New Year Festival 2007

The Chao Pho Chao Mae Pak Nam Pho Fair and Procession has been annually organized by Thais of Chinese ancestry in Nakhon Sawan Province during the Chinese New Year. It is held in honour of Chao Pho Chao Mae Pak Nam Pho (the god and goddess of Nakhon Sawan), the highly revered deities, hence the origin of the name. This year, the night procession will be on 20 February starting from 19.00 hrs. and the Day Procession will be on 21 February starting from 8.00 hrs.

Nakhon Sawan Chinese New Year Festival 2007

This famous festival and grand celebration with the procession of the statue of the god and goddess, impressive displays of dragon and lion dances, cultural performances such as the Chinese opera and acrobatics, offers a colourful spectacle and is a popular attraction to Thais and foreigners alike.

Nakhon Sawan Chinese New Year Festival 2007

The dragon and the lion, both considered to be symbols of good luck and good fortune and prominently featured as the royal regalia in the imperial courts of ancient China, are deemed to be central elements of auspicious rituals and events. The practice vividly demonstrates the faith and unity of local people and long-established cultural ties. Besides providing an opportunity for shopping, the Chao Pho Chao Mae Pak Nam Pho Fair and Procession also offers insight into the local way of life.

Nakhon Sawan Chinese New Year Festival 2007

Nakhon Sawan, or Pak Nam Pho, is an important city where the Nan joins the Ping to form the Chao Phraya River and is the Gateway to the Northern Region. The province has many scenic attractions and is noted for its large marsh area "Bueng Boraphet", covering an area of 9,597.7 sq. km. Nakhon Sawan is located 240 km. north of Bangkok.