The Sweetness of Life: Three Festivals for August

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The Sweetness of Life:
Three Festivals for August

The Queen's Birthday and Mothers' Day (August 12)

The nation will remember their beloved queen on this very special day but children throughout the land will also honor their own mothers, as August 12th was decreed Mother's Day in Her Majesty's honor.

07.00 : At Thapae Gate, the Governor of Chiangmai and other officials will present food to 68 monks.
08.15 : At the air conditioned Gymnasium at the 700 Years Stadium (near the Provincial Hall), people from all walks of life will sign their names to wish Her Majesty a Happy Birthday. Invited dignitaries will include Royal Family members staying or living in the North, Government officers, consuls stationed in Chiangmai, Municipal officials, Students and representatives of Clubs and Associations.
09.00 : The Governor of Chiangmai will light candles to pay respect to the Lord Buddha, and will then offer a blessing to Her Majesty the Queen. The monks will then offer a prayer to Her Majesty, following which the groups assembled will perform activities in the Queen's honor.
17.00 : The Lanna Prueksachart Fair will be opened at the playground behind the Provincial Hall.
18.30 : People's representatives will light candles in the Queen's honor. (Those wishing to join these activities should dress respectfully.)

Lumyai Festival (August 11-15th)

Introduced from China just one hundred years ago, the Lumyai tree is very special to Northern Thailand. Of five trees originally brought into the country by a Chinese immigrant and presented to the Princess Dara Rasamee of Lanna, a consort of the then King Chulalongkorn, two perished. The Princess's younger brother, Prince Noy Tun brought the remaining trees to Chiangmai, where they flourished in the cooler climate. Today, the fruit is highly sought after and commands high prices in the market. Lamphun has become the centre of the Lumyai industry as fruit produced in this area is superior in quality to that in other regions. Also known as Longan, the Lumyai is similar in taste and texture to the Lynchee or Litchee but more succulent. Encased in a thin brown skin that should be peeled off carefully to avoid bruising, you will discover the succulent, fleshy fruit wrapped around a centre stone. Thailand is a major exporter of canned Lumyai but there is still enough for the locals and a visit to any market at this time of the year will testify to that. Lumyai is sold on the stem to preserve the fruit, it is a particular favorite of the Thai people.

Northern Floral & Decorative Plant Show (August 11-15th )

There are two major blooming seasons for the orchid plant; the first is in January and February, the second in August. Over 3,000 species of Orchid are grown in Thailand and that number is still increasing as hybrids are being produced in special nurseries set up for the preservation of this magnificent flower. Most of the orchids in Thailand grew wild in the forests of the north but now they are being cultivated on a commercial basis so that people throughout the world can admire their exotic colors and shapes. Thailand is now a major exporter of orchids and the blooms are flown by the thousands around the globe daily.

Throughout the show, you will see the most creative and imaginative displays of flower arranging you will ever witness. Stunning displays of cut flowers and living plants can be seen at every stall and other wonderful specimens of oriental horticulture include ornamental cactus and incredible bonsai trees. For flower lovers and photographers alike, this is a show not to be missed. Plants and gardening utensils will be on sale.

See related articles (Festivals by Month):

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