11th Southeast Asian Water Festival, Sat Aug 16, 2008
(Always the 3rd Saturday in August)
Water Is Life...
For many centuries in Southeast Asian, the Water Festival is an annual event celebrating the connection of water in all aspects of life - food, agriculture, spirituality and economic prosperity. Water has always represented prosperity, life and goodness to the Southeast Asian people. Buddhist scripture explains that the Water Festival is held to thank the spirit of the water, to pray for evil spirits to go away, and to honor the Dragon King who dwells in the water. The Water Festival is a time to be thankful for the rivers, lakes and ponds that villagers depend upon for their livelihood and economic development.
In the capitals of Laos, Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam, during the boat races, known as Bon Om Tuk in Khmer; Boun Song Hae in Laotian, Keng Loeur in Thai and Le^~ ho^ i ddua thuye^`n in Vietnamese, people of all ages gather at the riverbanks to sing, dance, and watch the boat races for three days each November. Families journey from remote areas of the country by cars, motorcycles, bicycles, ox, boats, and in some cases by foot to take part in the festival. Millions come as spectators, cheering from the shore. The brave come to compete in the boat races - determined to win a trophy for their village.
Rowing teams with their colorful hand crafted wooden boats - some as long as 70 feet and holding up to 30 rowers come to compete with enthusiasm, pride and the dream of winning. Long before the race, each team devote many months to perfecting rowing in unison that is guided by the beating of the drums. Legend is said that team members must embody the spiritual power and strength to become one when they row during competition. After having first prepared the physical conditions of their boats, the teams name their boats to capture the essence of the supernatural power. Once in perfect conditions, each village boat is blessed by the village monks in preparation for the race.
On the banks of the river, thousands of spectators, young and old alike, crowd over each other as everyone tries to get a better glimpse, cheering on the speeding boats that pass by. Everyone enjoys the sideline entertainments - street vendors and activities along the banks of the river.
Thousands of miles away, along the banks of Lowell's Merrimack River, the water festival tradition continues. Just as the rice paddies that feed the people of Southeast Asia depend on water, so too did the mills that made Lowell a vital part of the Industrial Revolution need the waterfalls of the Merrimack River. We are united in recognizing and celebrating the role of water in our lives' past, present and future. Water is Life!
Article: Water Festival Washes Away Sins
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