Amazing Thailand

Phanom Rung Festival

What is your plan for the next summer holiday? Have you ever travelled to the countryside or ever seen the variety of countryfolks? If you are interested in local Thai cultures and want to discover any new fascinating destinations with warm friendly people. Buriram (the city located in south of northeast of Thailand) is one of your choices that you should not miss. At the beginning of April of every year, there is a monumental festival celebrated by the local population. This festivity is held at the Phanom Rung Historical Park—the most important tourist place in Buriram. Phanom Rung festival is one of amazing cultural festivals that is definitely worth seeing.

"Muang Prasaat Hin, Thin Phoo Khao Fai, Phaa Mai Suey, Ruey Watthanatham” is the provincial slogan of Buriram. It means “The City of Ancient Stone Castle and Place of Inactive Volcano with Beautiful Thai Silks and Rich Cultures.” As you see, the distinctive points of the province are described obviously by the slogan. Phanom Rung is the most attractive place to visit when you come to Buriram. This stone castle is located in Chaluem Phrakiat district. ''Phanom Rung'' is actually a Khmer word which means “a big mountain” or “Praasaat Hin Khao Phanom Rung’’ in Thai—the ancient stone Phanom Rung castle. This spectacular temple sits on the top of 383m high extinct volcano. It was originally built in a typical Khmer architecture style, as a Hindu sanctuary of the deities Vishnu and Shiva, during the 10th and 13th centuries. The Phanom Rung is well known as the largest and best restored of all Khmer monuments in Thailand.

The history of Phanom Rung Festival started by the monk from Surin Province (Pra Opassathammayan) who came to pay homage to the replica of Lord Buddha's footprint in the sanctuary. He was amazed when he saw many people came to worship the sanctity there. Then, he had the idea to create an occasion so that local people could come to worship, make a merit and reunite to do activities together, the first celebration was held in B.E. 2481 on the fullmoon of the 5th month in the tradtional Thai lunar calendar. People believe that they should worship the holy gods residing in the Phanom Rung once in their life, so that they would be protected and always be blessed. More importantly, the Tourism Authority of Thailand works together with the Fine Arts Department in organizing the Phanom Rung festival every year, in order to preserve the ancient culture of Buriram and to promote the provincial tourism.

Phanom Rung Fair, officially known as the “Ascent of the Mountain Annual Festival” or ''Festival of the Thousand Year Miracle of the Phanom Rung Grand Shrine” takes place during the beginning of April for 3 days. The organizing of the festival does not accur on the same date every year due to the Thai lunar calendar. During these exciting days, visitors can enjoy various activities, beginning with the crowd from everywhere, arriving the sanctuary early before the sun shines and waiting to see the spectacular sunrise through the 15 doorways of Phanom Rung. This is the amazing phenomenon that occures only in this festival! The other highlights in the afternoon are an attractively decorated traditional khmer parade, local food specialities sold at stalls, local handicraft products, folk music and dances. In the evening, there are Hope By Dinner (Hope By is Khmer word means eating) so people will enjoyable have dinner together and watch the light-and-sound show recounting the legend of Phanom Rung. As you see, the celebration starts with amazing sunrise in the morning and continues with lot of interesting activities until the night.

Phanom Rung Fair is one of the most precious Thai festivals that should be preserved and supported from younger generations. Let’s complete your life experience by visiting the fantastic Phanom Rung Festival—the great memory that you won’t forget!

References :

1. Aphiwan Dullayaphichet, (2003), 7 Ancient Stone Castles of South of Esaan, Muang Boraan Publishing.
2. http://www.buriram.go.th/festival/tour1/phanom%20rung%20sun-rises.htm
3. http://www.weekend-magazine.com/content_view.php?ct_id=23
4. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phanom_Rung_historical_park
5. http://th.loupiote.com/sets/72157611461010610.shtml ( Pictures of the Festival)
6. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=97UTRvTrWAM