The Water Raising Ceremony is held annually on the 13th day of the 6th lunar month. People from the village of Phai Luang and nearby communities in the Lapplae District, Uttaradit Province, gather to form a procession that carries water from their homes to the monument of Prince Phahom Kumarn, a local cultural hero. The ceremony is held to perform a water blessing ritual in remembrance of the prince's good deeds.

 

This tradition has deep roots in the local history, as the ancestors of the people of Lapplae migrated from Chiang Saen during the reign of King Phahom Kumarn. The king led the defense against the Khmer and brought peace to the area. After his death, the people built a hall, or "hong," to house his spirit and performed rituals in his honor.

 

In the past, the Water Raising Ceremony began with people bringing water from their own wells to participate in the ritual. Over time, local authorities organized a larger procession, which now starts from the Lapplae District Office and proceeds to the monument of Prince Phahom Kumarn.

 

Today, the ceremony includes three main parts: the "Tung" flag procession, the "Khan Hab" procession carrying the water and offerings for the ritual, and a cultural performance reflecting the traditional lifestyle of the Lapplae people. Participants also dress in traditional Lapplae attire.

 

Once the procession reaches the monument of Prince Phahom Kumarn, offerings are placed on a ritual platform, and water collected from various communities is used in the blessing ceremony. A priest leads the prayer to honor the spirit of Prince Phahom Kumarn. The event also features folk dancing and local Muay Thai boxing, which the people use as a tribute to the prince.

 

There are also activities in the "Hong" (hall) where the rituals are conducted, with offerings made by the villagers and the spirit of the prince believed to possess a medium for blessing the attendees.

 

This ceremony reflects the deep respect and gratitude the people of Lapplae hold for Prince Phahom Kumarn, honoring his legacy and the peaceful life he brought to their community. The tradition continues to strengthen the bond between the people and their cultural heritage through the combined efforts of the government and local residents.