Thursday, December 15, 2011

KING NARAI THE GREAT FAIR

King Narai the Great Fair
February TBC (Every year)
Naria Great Fair every year in February
Processions during The King Narai Great Fair
LopBuri's biggest annual event celebrates the life of the most outward-looking and cosmopolitan of the Ayutthayan monarchs at the Phra Narai Ratchaniwet Palace.

During his reign (1656-1688), Narai the Great developed trade and cultural links with the English, French, Dutch and Portuguese. The fair centers around the palace that the King built because he felt Ayutthaya was vulnerable to attacks from the sea. The entertainment features homage-paying ceremonies, processions, a light and sound presentation, folk entertainment and bazaars.

There are Juk, Ko, Kae and Oai contests, where traditional children's hairstyles are judged. Games include Kee Ma Kan Kuay (riding on the banana tree horse) and Dern Kala (walking on coconut shells). There's also Lop Buri-style dancing, a beauty contest and a parade of floats covered with flowers.

Thai food stalls sell local dishes such as babin (coconut sweets), salty eggs and coconut jelly. Visitors to the fair are encouraged to wear traditional Thai costumes and you can hire them for the day from shops around the station.

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