Sri Racha —
Locals and visitors gathered at Koh Loy Health Park on April 19th to celebrate the Sri Racha Kong Khao Festival, a tradition blending Songkran festivities with a 30-year-old cultural ritual.
At 7 PM on April 19th, Mr. Witthaya Khunpluem, President of the Chonburi Provincial Administrative Organization, presided over the opening ceremony of the 2025 Sri Racha Kong Khao Festival.
Mr. Witthaya delivered a speech explaining that the Sri Racha Kong Khao Festival is a deeply rooted local tradition in Chonburi province, passed down through generations. Historically, this festival has been held in several districts, including Mueang Chonburi, Sri Racha, Banglamung, and Phanat Nikhom. Over time, however, the tradition has faded in some areas. Sri Racha, on the other hand, has continuously preserved it for the past 30 years.
The modern revival of the festival began in 1993, when Sri Racha Municipality and the Tourism Authority of Thailand began co-hosting the event. It is now held annually from April 19th to the 21st. In the past, during the Songkran Festival, villagers would gather to bring trays of food to offer in a symbolic pile, inviting spirits to feast once a year. This act was believed to protect their families and property from harm. After the offering, villagers would sit together to share a meal, accompanied by singing, dancing, and traditional games. A key custom was that no one would take leftover food home, leaving it instead as alms for animals.
Today, the Kong Khao Festival serves to preserve and promote local culture. Sri Racha Municipality has since combined the Songkran celebration with the Kong Khao Festival under the theme “Celebrating Thainess Together at the Sri Maharacha Songkran and Kong Khao Festival.” Attendees are encouraged to wear floral shirts and traditional Thai clothing to honor and uphold Thai culture.
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