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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.

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, 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, 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.

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.

The Temple Fair is expected to be held this year from 28th October - 8th November 2010. This is not confirmed yet! The parade will take place early on the first day. Usually this is about 9 a.m. but last year they held it at 7.30 a.m. due to high tide floods. On day four there will be boat races in front of Phra Samut Chedi. Click here for information, including pictures and schedule, of the event last year.

Further Information:

High Tide Table during Temple Fair (2009) Phra Samut Chedi Worshipping Ceremony (2009) Temple Fair Parade (2009) Red Cloth Ceremony (2009) Wall of Death at Temple Fair (2009)

Phra Samut Chedi and the Red Cloth (2008) Candlelight Procession (2008) Red Cloth Ceremony (2007) Phra Samut Chedi in Samut Prakan (2005) Temple Fair at Night (2005)  Fried Insects at the Temple Fair (2005) More Pictures of the Temple Fair (2005) Fun at the Temple Fair (2005)

PHOTO ALBUM

MAP OF SAMUT PRAKAN

We have marked the location on a map of Samut Prakan.