Phanom Sawai Mountain Festival, Surin Province
Preserving Faith
Experiencing Culture
Atop Surin’s Sacred Mountain
Surin Province is not only known for its elephants and local culture, but also for an important annual Buddhist festival: the Phanom Sawai Mountain Festival. This festival is held on the 15th day of the waxing moon of the 5th lunar month, which usually falls in April each year.
Phanom Sawai — A Land of Faith
Phanom Sawai Mountain is a low mountain located in Mueang Surin District. It is home to Phra Phuttha Surin Mongkhon, the largest Buddha statue in the province, as well as a sacred stupa (chedi). This site is a revered and holy place deeply respected by the people of Surin.
During the festival, large numbers of people walk up the mountain to make merit, listen to sermons, perform candlelight processions, and pay homage to the sacred sites at the summit. It becomes a powerful gathering of Buddhist faith and devotion from across the Northeastern region of Thailand.
Activities During the Festival
- Merit-making and almsgiving ceremonies at the mountain summit
- Candlelight processions around the Buddha statue and the sacred stupa
- Rituals honoring the sacred guardians of the mountain
- Traditional cultural performances
- A local market featuring Surin’s specialties and products from surrounding communities
Meaning and Significance
This festival is not only a religious event, but also helps cultivate a sense of faith, strengthen community unity, and promote cultural tourism in a truly impressive way.
Tips for Visitors
Visitors should dress modestly and wear suitable footwear for walking up the mountain. Drinking water stations and rest areas are available along the route. Visitors can take part in activities throughout the day, with the mornings and evenings being especially busy.
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ภัทรธร เรืองแสงจันทร์
ภัทรธร เรืองแสงจันทร์
ภัทรธร เรืองแสงจันทร์
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