Phra Samut Chedi Temple Fair 2019

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Event: Phra Samut Chedi Temple Fair
Date: 18th-29th October 2019

The main event of the year is the Phra Samut Chedi Temple Fair which is held on both sides of the river. This is a celebration of the chedi for nine days and nine nights commencing the fifth waning moon day of the 11th lunar month. This is usually in October. In preparation for this important event, many people work together in sewing a large red cloth to wrap around the chedi.

Drone Photos: Phra Samut Chedi Red Cloth Ceremony | Temple Fair in Paknam | Phra Samut Chedi at Night

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The event starts with a parade on the east bank of the river. Students from all around the province take part. Starting at the City Hall at around 8:00 a.m., the red cloth and the large parade winds itself through the streets of Samut Prakan before ending back at the river. Here the red cloth is transported upriver to Phra Pradaeng where the local people there have an opportunity to pay their respects. The journey ends at Phra Samut Chedi, about four hours after it started. Here, at about 1:30 p.m., the cloth is ceremoniously paraded clockwise around the temple three times. Members of the Rungjaeng family are the only ones allowed to climb up the steep chedi to wrap the sacred cloth around it.

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The temple fair itself then starts. It is a massive event taking place in more than one location. Not only are there stalls around Phra Samut Chedi but also on the east bank where the city hall is. In the evening several of the main roads are closed to traffic and people from all over the country come to buy and sell. There is much to do for children and adults. Just about everything can be bought here and there are plenty of games to play too. For example shooting and big wheel rides. There is a large variety of food on offer. From fried grasshoppers to shark fin! The roads are so packed with people that it takes forever to walk a few paces.

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Map for Phra Samut Chedi:

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