Festivals ประเพณี

ประเพณีเข้าพรรษา ออกพรรษา ประเพณีตักบาตรทางน้ำ ตักบาตรน้ำผึ้ง
Buddhist Lent, End of Buddhist Lent, Water Alms Giving, Honey Alms Giving

Sweet Water Procession การแห่น้ำหวาน

About a week after Songkran, people on Ko Kret celebrate by carrying bottles of sweet water to give to monks. They walk together in a big group to different temples, offering the special water to the monks and releasing birds and fish. There are food stalls along the way with drinks and snacks for everyone. This special tradition is only done by the Mon-Thai people on Ko Kret.

Source: https://www.kohkred-sao.go.th/public/list/data/index/menu/1428

The Khao Chae Procession (การแห่ข้าวแช่)

On Songkran, the Mon people on Ko Kret have a special tradition called the Khao Chae Procession. They make a delicious rice dish called Khao Chae and put it in clay pots to keep it cool.

The whole village works together to make a big pot of Khao Chae. Then, they bring it to the temple in a parade. They also pray to a special spirit called Nang Songkran and give Khao Chae to the older people as a sign of respect.

This tradition happens twice a year: on Songkran and at the end of Buddhist Lent.

The Swan (Hongsa) Tail Procession    การแห่หางหงส์

On Ko Kret, people celebrate Songkran with a special parade called the Swan Tail Procession. They make long, colorful flags called Swan Tails and carry them through the village for good luck. People cut off their hair and tie it to the flags, then bring them to the temple. The flags are put at the top of a special pole, and monks say prayers for good fortune.

The swan (Hongsa) is a very important symbol for the Mon people. They have a story about golden swans that led people to build a city a long time ago. That's why swans are often seen on temples and in other important places.

The tradition of offering alms to monks by water ประเพณีตักบาตรทางน้ำ 

Every year, on a special day at the end of Buddhist Lent, people on Ko Kret and Pak Kret celebrate by offering food to monks in a special way. They decorate boats and the monks ride them to collect food from people living along the river. There's music and dancing on the boats, making it a fun and festive event.

The city organizes a big boat race every year and sets up food stalls for everyone to enjoy. It's a great way to learn about the Mon culture and traditions.