Schedule
: 24-25 July 2002
Venue
: Wat Phra Phutthabat Ratchaworamaha Wihan, Amphoe Phra
Phutthabat, Saraburi
Origin
:
The people of Amphoe Phra Phutthabat have been engaging
in the Tak Bat Dok Mai Festival since ancient times until
it is now a major provincial event. The ceremony here differs
from other areas because the flowers used in making merit
are Dok Khao Phansa (a flower in the Globba family). The
flower is similar to galingale or turmeric and is a bit
over 25 centimeters tall. This small flower comes in a few
colors like white, yellow, yellow/violet, and some have
blue/violet mixed in a large lovely bunch. The yellow flowers
have smaller violet petals that give it a striking appearance.
Some villagers call the flower Dok Yung Thong or Dok Hong
Thong (golden peacock or golden swan flower).
The flower grows on slopes and blooms only during the Buddhist
Lent. It can be found only in Tambon Khun Khlon, Tambon
Phukrang in Amphoe Phra Phutthabat and Tambon Phu Khae in
Amphoe Muang Saraburi. After monks receive the flowers,
they will take them to pray to "Lord Buddha's footprint"
in the evening and pray to "Chula Mani" pagoda that houses
a glass replica of a tooth of Lord Buddha.
Activities
:
- Merit making with steamed rice.
- Processions of candles, Buddha images and long drums.
- Merit making with flowers.
| Nearby
Tourist Spots : |
| -
Wat Phra Phutthabat Ratchaworamaha Wihan (Phra Phutthabat) |
| |
is
where the sacred Lord Buddha's footprint is located.
It is on a rock slab above the Suwan Banphot mountainside.
Inside the temple is Phra Phutthabat National Museum
that has a fine collection of valuable artifacts. |
| -
Khao Sam Lan National Park (Muang) |
| |
has
mountains large and small. The highest peak is Khao
Khrok from where Saraburi city and nearby districts
can be seen. It is also the home of the important white-eyed
river martin. |
| -
Muak Lek Arboretum (Muak Lek) |
| |
divides
Saraburi and Nakhon Ratchasima by a stream that flows
from Khao Yai National Park. The park has a variety
of trees and flowers. |
| For
more information, contact : |
| -
Amphoe Phra Phutthabat Municipality, Saraburi. |
| |
Tel.
(036) 267111-2 |
| -
TAT Central Region Office: Area 6 (Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya). |
| |
Tel.
(035) 246076-7, fax (035) 246078 |
