Saraburi Festivals and Events

Festivals and Activities

:: Activities ::

Cliff Climbing – Abseiling (ปีนหน้าผา-โรยตัว)

At Wat Phra Chai, Mueang District. It is a large cliff with a height of 35 metres appropriate for the Bouldering Cliff Climbing- a climb of less than 5 metres high without using a rope. However, cushions are provided on the ground below and a climbing partner will always take care and block from behind the climber. The spot is on a mountain which is surrounded with cliffs on every side. On the east of Wat Phra Phutthachai lie large round stones alternating with timber forests. On the other route is a climbing location with a rope or Top Rope with a length of 40 metres. Also, this is a sightseeing spot of the plain of the Pa Sak River as well as the scenery of Saraburi.

:: Festivals ::

The National Dairy Cow Festival (งานโคนมแห่งชาติ)

Is organized in Muak Lek District in January every year. H.R.H. Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn is the chairperson in the opening ceremony. It is the biggest event of the professional dairy cow farmers.

Phra Phutthabat Homage Paying Fair (งานนมัสการรอยพระพุทธบาท)

Is held twice a year: from the first day of the waxing moon till the full moon day in the third lunar month totalling 15 days; and from the eighth day of the waxing moon until the full moon day in the fourth lunar month for 8 days.

Kam Fa Festival (ประเพณีกำฟ้า)

Is held on the second day of the waxing moon in the third lunar month. The eve of the festival features various forms of folk entertainment and activities including cockfighting, toasting sticky rice in bamboo, etc. On the third day of the waxing moon in the third lunar month, the day of the Kam Fa Festival, people perform merit making and attend sermons, etc. The festival takes place annually at Phai Lio Sub-district, Don Phut District.

Wat Sung Songkran Festival and Sao Nang Takhian Bathing (ประเพณีสงกรานต์สรงน้ำเสานางตะเคียนวัดสูง)

Is held annually on 23 April in front of Wat Sung’s ordination hall, Sao Hai District. People perform merit making and pour water onto elders and to Nang Takhian pillar.

Hae Phra Khiao Kaeo (ประเพณีแห่พระเขี้ยวแก้ว)

Buddhists believe that Phra Khiao Kaeo was the tooth of the Lord Buddha. The tradition is held on the first day of the waxing moon in the fourth lunar month. The people of Amphoe Phra Phutthabat will take the tooth from Wat Phra Phutthabat Ratchaworamahawihan Museum and bear it in a procession around the town. They believe that if the procession is held, they will live in wealth and happiness. It is an annual tradition of Phra Phutthabat District.

Chaopho Khao Tok Fair or Chaopho Khao Tok Procession (ประเพณีเจ้าพ่อเขาตก หรือ งานแห่เจ้าพ่อเขาตก)

Is held at Wat Phra Phutthabat Ratchaworamahawihan, Phra Phutthabat District, and is an annual fair. The event features the supernatural power performances of Chaopho Khao Tok and walking on fire, Lo Ko dragon parade and Chinese opera. Mostly Chinese people, especially the followers of Chaopho Khao Tok from all over the country will come to join the festival. The event is held from the first day of the waxing moon in the fourth lunar month for 4 days.

Tak Bat Dok Mai Ceremony (ประเพณีตักบาตรดอกไม้)

Is considered as the significant tradition of Phra Phutthabat District. This merit-making ceremony is held to coincide with the start of the annual three-month Buddhist Lent on the first day of the waning moon of the eighth lunar month. During the ceremony, people will offer alms to monks, as well as, candles for the Buddhist Lent to Wat Phra Phutthabat in the morning. During the afternoon, they will offer flowers to the monks at Wat Phra Phutthabat Ratchaworamahawihan, Khun Khlon Sub-district, Phra Phutthabat District. They will go to collect a kind of flower similar to Krachai (Rotunda) or turmeric with yellow or white flowers called “The Flower of Buddhist Lent”. This herb-like flower is found on the hillside only during the Buddhist Lent period and only in Saraburi. While the monks are walking up the staircase to bring the flowers to pay homage to the Lord Buddha’s footprint, people will wait along the steps with a bowl of clean water floated with bullet wood flowers. They will pour the water onto the feet of the monks as a means of washing their sins. The Flower of Buddhist Lent was listed as a new species of plant in the world in the International Flowers Fair in July 2001 at Jurong Bird Park in Singapore.

Pa Sak Boat Racing Festival (การแข่งขันเรือยาวประเพณีลุ่มน้ำป่าสัก)

Is a major annual regatta that takes place at the pier in front of the Sao Hai District Office on the last Saturday or Sunday of September. Famous long boats from all over the country join in the race divided into 4 categories of 55 paddlers, 30 paddlers, 12 paddlers, and 10 paddlers. This festival is a way to preserve the local tradition.