CityNew – Summer is here. And with the peak of heat we all think of Songkran. But did you know that there is another very important festival that is traditionally held at this time of the year, one that may be less popular, but still deeply rooted and of great importance nonetheless.
Poy Sang Long (ปอยส่างลอง), the Tai Yai ( originally from Shan State, Myanmar) ordination ceremony of Buddhist novices is a spectacularly colourful ceremony where, decked out in kaleidoscopically vibrant outfits, a parade is held by novices’ friends and families in celebration.
Poy is translated to festival and Sang Long refers to boys, usually around 7 to 14 year old, who become ordained. This coming of age ceremony dresses boys up like princes and parade them around on shoulders of relatives without allowing for the boys’ feet to touch the floor for three days before they say their vows and follow Buddhist monastic precepts.
On the first day, Sang Long will shave the hair and dress beautifully to join the parade. They will be brought to show respect to a shrine and the elder in their city. On the next day, there will be a parade of the offering given as alms which will use in the ceremony. And on the last day, there will be a ordination ceremony when finally Sang Long will take vows of monastery.
Photograph by Thanadol Wimalai
To get a chance to see this spectacular festival visit Wat Pa Pao on Maneenopparat Road (just before Sri Phum moat corner on the outer moat) now as the event is in its second day. Tomorrow it will be the second day (5th April). The parade will start at 8 am at the temple. And the last day on 6th April.