18 Jan 2008 - 20 Jan 2008
Bor Sang, on highway 1006 heading east from Chiang Mai, appears to be a typical sleepy rural village, the kind the tour bus speeds by giving you just a fleeting glimpse of its two-storey wooden houses. But hidden in the tiny lanes, villagers have perfected a craft that creates the country’s most famous umbrellas.
For more than 100 years, the village has been associated with the production of umbrellas made from Saa paper derived from mulberry tree bark. According to local history, a monk travelled to neighbouring Myanmar, where he came across Saa paper umbrellas that offered protection against both the sun and rain.
He returned with the production technique and introduced the umbrella to the elders of Bor Sang village, who added their own artistic skills to create a distinctive colourful, but very practical, umbrella. At first it was just a profitable hobby that supplemented the villagers’ earnings from the annual rice crop. However, with time production of the Saa paper umbrellas prospered, prompting villagers to establish a handicraft cooperative in 1941 that now organises the annual festival.
Using silk and cotton, weaved at neighbouring Sankampaeng, villagers eventually added a second line of umbrellas decorated with images of the north, its flowers and birds, all intricately hand-painted.
Today, Bor Sang village exports both Saa-paper and silk umbrellas. They are seen at trade shows in a variety of sizes, from giant parasols that offer a shady canopy from the sun, to miniscule variations that adorn popular cocktail drinks.
To celebrate success the village hosts a three-day festival every January. Streets are illuminated by lanterns, while hundreds of umbrellas are hung from the rafters and beams of houses and shops. Bands play, while villagers compete to design the year’s most attractive umbrella. Concerts, a food festival and beauty contest all compete for the attention of the audience, a mix of both tourists and residents, who gather here to celebrate Bor Sang’s innovative handicraft skills.
Throughout the year, tourists visit the village, a short 6 km drive from Chiang Mai, to buy umbrellas and study the process and skills that go into making a handicraft entirely from natural products. But nothing quite compares with the buzz that permeates the village during this colourful three-day handicraft festival, every January. It is a scene that represents village hospitality and charm at its very best.
Baan Phai Rice Ceremony
18 Jan 2008 - 22 Jan 2008
from 18 to 22 January, at Baan Pai district office, Khon Kaen province, and offers rice castle builders an opportunity to show off their skills in architecture, while the crowd can also vote for the year’s Miss Rice, who will represent local rice growers as their “beauty queen.” Tel: 043 272 611.
I-San Agricultural Fair
25 Jan 2008 - 3 Feb 2008
from 25 January to 3 February, at the Agricultural Technology Park, Khon Kaen University, offers much more than glimpses of the latest tractors and trucks. Local farmers and market gardeners are here to present their farm produce including flowers and plants. This is not your typical tourist venue, but visitors will enjoy the way northeast residents can inject an element of fun and entertainment into an otherwise serious exhibition. Tel: 043 202 360.
The Royal Trophy Postponed
1 Jan 2008 - 31 Jan 2008
The Royal Trophy – Europe vs Asia Golf Championship is a unique, emotionally-charged and passionate competition played between the continents of Europe and Asia in a team match-play format. The best players from Europe play against the best players from Asia to compete in a spectacular series of matches for stewardship over the perpetual Royal Trophy – graciously donated by His Majesty the King of Thailand.
The Royal Trophy Postponed
The Princess passed away on January 2 after receiving treatment for abdominal cancer in the hospital for the last six months. She was 84.
The Thai government announced a 15-day mourning period and asked that festive activities be suspended during this time.
The Royal Trophy tournament features the finest players from Asia and Europe competing for stewardship over the Royal Trophy, which was graciously donated by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The event's third edition will be held in the earliest date possible
Website : www.theroyaltrophy.com
1 comment:
Thailand is very historical country,there is lot of interesting cultural festivals.
Post a Comment