Phanom Sawai Hill Climbing Festival
เทศกาลขึ้นเขาพนมสวาย
Preserving Faith, Experiencing Culture
At the Sacred Summit of Surin
It is one of Surins annual nature and cultural tourism activities, celebrating the regions scenic landscapes while connecting the community to local traditions. Visitors can participate in mountain hikes, explore the natural surroundings, enjoy panoramic views from the summit, and learn about local history alongside traditional ceremonies that have been passed down through generations.
Surin Province is renowned not only for its elephants and local culture but also for an important annual Buddhist festival: the Phanom Sawai Mountain Festival. It is held every year on the full moon day of the fifth lunar month, which usually falls in April.
Phanom Sawai The Land of Faith
Phanom Sawai Mountain is a low hill located in Mueang Surin District. It is home to Phra Phut Surin Mongkhon, the largest Buddha image in the province, and Phra Borommathat Chedi, a sacred site highly revered by the people of Surin.
During the festival, large crowds of people walk up the mountain to make merit, listen to sermons, join candlelight processions, and pay respect to the sacred sites at the summit. It is a grand gathering of Buddhist faith in Northeastern Thailand.
Activities in the Festival
Merit-making alms-offering ceremony on the mountaintop, candlelight procession around the Buddha image and the stupa, rituals to worship the sacred spirits of the mountain, traditional cultural performances, and a local fair featuring Surins finest products from nearby communities.
Meaning and Value
This festival is not only a religious activity but also instills a sense of faith, strengthens community unity, and impressively promotes cultural tourism.
Travel Tips for Visitors
Visitors are advised to dress modestly and wear suitable footwear for walking up the mountain. Drinking water stations and rest areas are provided along the path. Tourists can join the activities throughout the day, with the morning and evening being the busiest times.
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