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Mon Phra Pradaeng

The boat procession of Luang Por Toh
Mon Phra Pradaeng
In 1815 King Rama II decided to build the fort city at the bend of Chao Phraya River, South of Bangkok, close to the mouth of the river, to protect the capital in case it was invaded by enemies from the sea. The city was name Nakhon Khuan Khan, and was manned by those migrated from Mon.

Festival and Celebrations in Samutprakarn
  • Paklat Songkran Festival
    This is a very famous and enjoyable annual festival falling on Sunday following Songkran Day (April 13). The inhabitants of Muang Phra Pradaeng with the cooperation of Muang Phra Pradaeng Municipality conduct the festival according to the Mons original tradition including the Miss Songkran procession, the setting free of birds and fishes, and playing various games which originated with the Mon people.

  • Receiving Lotus Custom

    Luang Por Toh, a Buddha image of people.
    Receiving Lotus Custom, the tradition of receiving lotus is also one tradition that has long background since the reign of King Rama II of Chakkri Dynasty of Rattanakosin period. Therefore, when the Mons return to Phra Pra Daeng after completion of farming, they will collect these lotuses to offer to the temple of village on the end of the lent. They bring these lotuses every year on the paddle boat. Consequently, people in Bang Plee area will prepare these lotuses for the Phra Pra Daeng people. Sending and receiving of lotuses from hand to hand then become the source of tradition "Receiving Lotus Custom.
    The highlight of receiving lotus tradition, in the early morning prior the end of the lent of each year, is that villagers will bring the main Buddha image or "Luang Por Toh" onto the big boat, gliding along khlong Samrong. People along both sides of Khlong will throw lotuses into this boat with amusement and excitment. They will have their own lotus which is bought along the way to the khlong. Most of them are white lotuses which present purity. Everybody will be ready at the edge of the khlong in order to throw the lotuses into the boat that loads Luang Por Toh.
    The boat is full of lotuses within a short time. These lotuses will then be given to the villagers after the ceremony is ended. People will, afterward, bring these lotuses back for merit making. When the boat processions of Luang Por Toh has already passed, followings are beautiful decorated boat processions which are put into competition.