Chinese New year 2003 at Nakon Sawan Province

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Schedule : 25 January - 5 February 2003

Venue : Nakon Sawan Province

All Thais of Chinese ethnic and interested people are welcomed to celebrate the Chinese New Year 2003 in Nakon Sawan Province from January 25 to February 5, 2003. Under the theme of “Chinese New Year in Nakon Sawan: Astounding Festivity in the Land of Dragon”, celebrants will be dazzled not only by many spectacles, but also by the respectful rituals Thai-Chinese locals here have long practiced to worship and show gratitude to the gods and goddesses of the province.At the heart of the province around the area of Pak Nam Pho Market and Sawan Park is where many magnificent activities of the event will occur. Right from 7 pm to 9 pm of all 12 days and 12 nights of the festivity, there will be the show from more than 100 Chinese performers at Sawan Park. After that, around 9 pm at the edge of the dam across the Chao Phraya River, anyone should not miss the grandeur dancing of the majestic Golden Dragon which is made of paper and 52 meters long with colorful sparkling lights for the night. With the support of about 180 performers, the dragon dancing of this performing group is expected to be the most impressive in Asia. At the same venue and time, spectators will delight in the legendary Lantern Festival in which different colorful paper-made lanterns deck the street.

On February 1, an official Chinese New Year, all luck-minders are invited to join the auction of lucky items at 7 pm at the booth besides Krung Thai Commercial Bank in town. On February 2, the same event will occur at another booth around Soi Sujitra at the same time. On February 3 and 4, there comes another prime ritual activity that celebrants are waiting for, the magnificent Pak Nam Pho Gods and Goddesses Worshipping Procession with sparkling light and sound presentation. Having practiced for more than 80 years, the locals here show gratitude to their gods and goddesses who are believed to wipe out the plaque that killed many people in ancient time. Additionally, it is a ceremony to welcome their gods back from their visit to the Saint Emperor in heaven. The procession will go round Pak Nam Pho market from 6 pm to 10 pm.

Other shows that will take place include the Chinese Lion dance, the mysterious manifestation of Quan Um goddess’ spirit medium, the performance of the Swan and the Celestial Dragon and other cultural shows from China.

About Chinese New Year
Chinese people recognize the importance of the New Year celebration because they believe it determines what will happen in the whole up-coming year. Traditionally, just a few days before the new year, families get together to clean their households - the ritual symbolizes the sweeping of all traces of misfortunes. Houses will be decorated with colorful lanterns, flowers and banners emblazoned with new year greetings. During this time, adults will be careful not to let themselves and their descendents behave badly and talk impolitely because they believe this is when angels ascend to the heaven to report all human behaviors to the Saint Emperor. At midnight, they will gather to light fireworks to attract the benevolent gods and to frighten evil spirits. On the very first day of the new year, they will wear new clothes, visit friends and relatives, give away gifts and the small red pocket of money to children, the unmarried, the unemployed and servants.

About Nakon Sawan Province
Nakon Sawan has been reckoned as the gateway to the Northern region of Thailand. It is the estuary of all 4 main rivers of the nation that flow into the Chao Praya River. The province was the place where Chinese traders settled down many centuries ago.

Covering the area of 9,597 square kilometers, it is the fertile plain along the river and has forests on both of its riverbanks. It is well known for its largest fresh water lake of the country, Bueng Boraphet. The lake is the sanctuary of various water creatures and birds, among which are of rare species such as Princess Sirinthorn Bird and Sia Tor Fish. It is also where many teals migrate during November and March. No hunting here.

The province also has other tourist attractions such as the big swamp of Sawan Park, Chom Khirinakprot Temple on the top of Buad Nak Mountain, Woranatbanpot Temple where some relics and antiques can be found and Mae Wong National Park that encompasses many teeming waterfalls within ...