Reader Submission: The Lanna Wisdom Festival Celebrates the Heritage of Thai Traditions

Surprises are lurking everywhere in Thailand and they are of the most diverse nature. For a first acquaintance with this beautiful country, the neophyte Thailand fan can contact one of the many travel organizers to book a guided or at least organized trip. That's how we started back then. But after a dozen trips, you can easily map out your various destinations in this well-organized country for tourists. Moreover, you can always count on the help of the friendly local population.

For example, I was walking in Chiang Mai when I stopped by an alternative travel agency that is located in Chiang Mai Lamphun Road on the other side of the Mae Ping River, more exactly halfway between the Nawarat Bridge and the narrow iron bridge. The manageress is of the idealistic type who treats people interested in Thailand not as customers but as good acquaintances, almost like family. It was the end of March 2011 and the lady gave me the tip to visit the local Lanna festival from April 1 to April 3. The Lanna Festival is a three-day celebration organized by the Lanna School, located just outside the center of Chiang Mai. The festivities take place on the grounds just behind the College's school buildings.

The first day starts with the opening ceremony in which respect is especially paid to the merits of the Lanna Wisdom School. During an elaborate performance with large paper dragons and singing children, the teachers are honored for their efforts to pass on the achievements of tradition. There are plenty of cozy market stalls that give an idea of ​​the refined craft development that Thailand has already known. Perhaps I was also an attraction for the Thai at the festival, because the three days I walked around there I was the only non-Thai. It is therefore worth mentioning that the Thai very much appreciated my presence at the festival, which is very typical of the hospitable Thai people.

I was really amazed with the dexterity with which embroidery, paper carvings, wood sculptures and paintings were made on site. Not only could we feast our eyes, there was also a wide choice of food stalls to strengthen the inner man. All kinds of specialties of Thai cuisine were offered in practical small quantities. This made it possible to enjoy the many different delicacies that were offered for sale. Walking around the festival grounds allowed me to experience how Thai society really functions, outside of the tourist activity. It is a cordial society, where value is still attached to being together.

It was also possible to register for participation in a tour with a train. During the tour on the first day, places that are important for Lanna history were visited, explanations were provided by the accompanying guides. The second day tour was dedicated to respecting the Five Sacred Artifacts of Chiang Mai. In the meantime, people could enjoy the performance of shadow puppets and the Concert on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of the death of Khun Charal Manophet on the festival grounds. The third day was the cultural tour with the little train dedicated to wisdom, the inheritance of the faith and respect for the elderly.

While the visitors could feast on the most delicious typical Thai dishes for three days, all traditionally - and often made on site - of course, they could also fully enjoy art that was also placed centrally with the typical Thai delicacy for art. As can be seen in the photos, three artists from different disciplines worked together on the same work of art. In between the many dance and song numbers, speeches were given on various stages by a wide range of speakers. I am embarrassed to admit that this aspect of the festival essentially escaped me.

Submitted by Daj Goes