Chak Phra is the festival of the South Thai cultures. The named could be translated as “Pulling the Buddha”. Chak Phra takes place on the waning days of 11th months in the traditional Thai lunar calendar which is usually in October. Hence, the exact date of the festival changes every year.
Contents
Overview
Chak Phra is assumed to take place in India under the doctrine of Brahmanism which is popularly uses Buddha statue in a procession on various occasion. Later on, Chak Phra transferred to the Southern Thailand and has been put into practice and became a traditional festival for nowadays. People believe that Chak Phra will cause rainfall during the rainy season because people who are in the ceremony are mainly farmers.
Types
There are two types for this festival. Pulling the Buddha on the land or in the river. Pulling the Buddha Statue on the land is to invite the Buddha statue to the destination which is the temple. This festival is suitable for the temple which is far away from the river. Dragging in the river is to invite the Buddha statue enshrined on the boat and then flock to the destination. This festival is suitable for the temple that is near the river.