Poi Sang Long Procession

This is actually the novice ordination ceremony of the Thai Yai people, regarded as a highly meritorious occasion. Traditionally, the candidate novice, after his head is cleanly shaven and wrapped with a had-cloth in the Burmese style, will don a princely garment and valuable ornaments, before riding a horse, or being carried on the shoulders of older men, to the city shrine. He will subsequently visit the abbots of local temples to ask their forgiveness for any wrongdoings. On the eve of the ordination, a collection of offerings and necessary personal belongings is carried through the town in procession to the temple where the ordination will take place the following day. The ceremony is usually held in March -April, and the colorful procession has become a major tourist attraction in Mae Hong Son.

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