Poi Sang Long ceremony in Mae Hong Son is a Buddhist novice ordination ceremony, but unlike any other ceremony of its type in the country. Young boy aged between 7 and 14 are ordained as novices to learn the Buddhist doctrines. It’s believed that they will gain merit ordaining for their parents. The origins of this festival lie in Buddhist legend. It is believed that the tradition is probably following in the footsteps of Prince Rahula, the Buddha’s own son, who gave up his worldly life to follow his father’s spiritual teachings. Prince Rahula became the youngest ordained monk and the first novice in Buddhism. Subsequently it became a tradition that young boys should ordain to learn Buddhist teachings. With such high reverence to the Buddhist religion, the people here consider that the celebrations should be as grand as possible.

This colorful festival is one of the most delightful in Mae Hong Son, attracting people from far and wide. The local authorities and the Tourism Authority of Thailand consider this festival to be unique to Mae Hong Son province.

Mae Hong Son Tourism Coordination Center (TAT.) cordially invites all tourists to take part Poi Sang Long ceremony during 6-8 April 2008 at Don Chedi temple or at other places and enjoy the charm of Mae Hong Son City. More information please contact at 053-612982 or at www.travelmaehongson.org

Mae Hong Son Tourism Coordination Center; Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT.) invites tourists to take part the Poi Sang Long ceremony during 6-8 April 2008 at Don Chedi Temple in Mae Hong Son Municipal of Mae Hong Son Province. The Mae Hong Son Municipality will hold this ceremony for 3 days and there will be the interesting activities as follow:

The first day of Sunday, 6th April 2008, beginning when the boys have their heads shaved by parents and relatives. Then, they are bathed and anointed with special waters and dressed up elegantly and colorfully while their faces are superbly embellished. By this time, the boys are known locally as ‘Sang Long’ or ‘Look Kaew’ (jewel sons). The parade moves around Mae Hong Son Municipal, visiting temples to beg forgiveness from abbots and the city pillar at the beginning of the journey. By late afternoon, the boys are carried back to their homes.

The second day of Monday, 7th April 2008, a grand colorful procession is held, filled with family members and important components of Mae Hong Son’s Shan community. In the parade, there are handmade floats, offerings for the temple, traditional dance and, of curse, the boys themselves. The parade begins at Don Chedi Temple, in the city, before it moves down the main streets of town and out to the temples.

The third day of Tuesday, 8th April 2008, the procession once again proceeds through the town and the boys are taken to Don Chedi Temple for the formal ordination ceremony.

This year, apart from the Poi Sang Ling ceremony at Don Chedi Temple in Mae Hong Son municipal, tourists can join Poi Sang Long ceremony at other places as follows:

- At Pang Moo Temple, Muang district form 3rd – 5th April 2008.
For more information contact Pang Moo Sub-district Organization Administration at Tel.059-613341.

- At Sri Boon Rueng temple, Mae Sarieng district from 4th – 6th April 2008. For more information contace Sri Boon Rueng Temple at Tel. 053-621328, 081-8853312.

- At Muai Tor temple, Khun Yuam district from 6th – 8th April 2008. For more information contact Muai Tor Temple at Tel. 053-691081.