Nakhon Phanom illuminated Boat Procession - Thailand

The iIIuminated Boat Procession or Lai Reua Fai which literally means to set afloat a fire boat is celebrated by the Northeastern people. It has been practiced for centuries to mark the end of Buddhist Lent. The procession is held to welcome the Lord Buddha back to earth after preaching to his mother in heaven during the three-month period of Buddhist Lent. To pay respect and welcome the Lord Buddha, Reua Fai or fire boats decorated with flowers, incense sticks, candles, and lanterns are launched on the Mekong River in the evening. Today, with competitions to find the most beautiful illuminated boat processions, the boats have become more impressively constructed and decorated. In addition, the event includes cultural performances and street processions in which you can join the locals in performing the traditional folk dances.