Culture Ministry Promotes Five Ok Phansa Festivals Nationwide

The Ministry of Culture, through the Department of Religious Affairs, invites Buddhists and the public to participate in activities for the 2026 Ok Phansa Festival, an important time for Buddhists to make merit and uphold Buddhist traditions.

This year, the ministry is promoting five major traditions between October 16-31, 2026, so the public can make merit, learn Dhamma principles, and observe the unique customs of each locality while helping preserve Thai cultural heritage. The events also aim to stimulate tourism and create income for communities in the area.

Minister Sabida Thaiset said the five activities are distinctive and reflect the way of life of local people. They comprise:

1. The 61st Northern Khanom Slaak Phat Merit-Making Festival, October 16-18, 2026, at Wat Benchamabophit Dusitvanaram in Bangkok. On Sunday, October 18 at 08:30, a procession of Slaak Phat poles will depart from the 1st Army Region to the temple, accompanied by cultural performances from a network of 10 northern provinces. The event preserves Lanna traditions and gives northerners in Bangkok and nearby provinces a chance to make merit and dedicate merit to departed relatives, expressing gratitude.

2. The Chak Phra, Tod Pha Pa, and Long-Boat Racing Festival in Surat Thani, October 23-31, 2026, along the Tapi River dam and Narit Bridge in Mueang District. Activities include a chanting ceremony for the waterborne Buddha image procession, flotilla and land processions of Buddha images, almsgiving, a Pha Pa decoration contest, a Chak Phra tradition exhibition, and long-boat races — a long-standing tradition of southern people.

3. The Bee Castle Offering for Buddha Veneration, October 24-25, 2026, at Wat Pathumwanaram in Bangkok. On October 25, a Bee Castle procession will travel from the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre to the temple for the offering ceremony, along with a Mahorasop performance in the temple grounds, allowing the public to make merit and admire the beautifully crafted Bee Castles made according to tradition.

4. The Tak Bat Devo Rohana Festival in Uthai Thani, October 26-27, 2026, at Wat Sangkat Rattanakhiri and the Five-Way Intersection. The program includes a light, color, and sound show titled "Divine Light from Heaven to Faith," a procession of Buddhist history and legends from every district, almsgiving of rice, dry food, and khao tom luk yon, plus cultural activities unique to Uthai Thani.

5. The Ok Phansa Tak Bat Devo Rohana Festival "Tam Hoy Bun, Im Warm Heart" in Kalasin, October 30-31, 2026, at Wat Phuttawas Phu Sing in Sahatsakhan District. Events include the Tak Bat Devo Rohana ceremony, veneration of sacred objects, demonstrations of cultural wisdom, an exhibition on the Tak Bat Devo Rohana tradition, and a showcase of products from virtuous community enterprises, letting the public make merit and purchase community goods.

Ok Phansa traditions in each area differ in form and character, but all are significant to the lives and faith of Buddhists. Promoting these activities gives the public, especially children and youth, a chance to learn local customs and Buddhist principles while participating in the transmission of local culture. At the same time, the festivals attract tourists and create opportunities for local entrepreneurs to earn income from selling goods, food, and community products.

The ministry therefore invites the public to join in making merit and visiting the festivals.