Poy Sang Long Festival 2025: Discover Shan and Tai Yai Buddhist Ordination Ceremonies in Thailand
The Poy Sang Long festival, also known as the Youth Flower Festival, is a traditional celebration held mainly in the Shan and Tai Yai communities in Thailand and Myanmar.
Overview of Poy Sang Long Festival
Poy Sang Long is a Buddhist ceremony celebrating the ordination of young boys shan and Tai Yai as novice monks. The young boys taking part in this ceremony are generally aged between 7 and 14. During the festival, they wear sumptuous costumes and are accompanied by colourful parades, dances and religious ceremonies.
Buddhist Novice Ordination: A Spiritual Rite of Passage
This celebration is particularly important for Shan families, as it marks a crucial moment in the lives of young boys and is seen as a step towards spiritual maturity. The festivities usually last several days and attract many local and foreign visitors who come to watch the ceremonies and performances.
The Poy Sang Long festival is not only an occasion for religious celebration, but also a manifestation of the cultural identity and tradition of the Shan and Tai Yai communities.
Where and When to Experience the Poy Sang Long Festival in 2025
The colourful ordination ceremonies only take place in certain communities, notably in the province of Mae Hong Son and in certain parts of Chiang Mai.
Mueang Mae Hong Son District Ceremonies
| Place of the ceremony | Information about the ceremony | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Wat Mok Jam Pae, sub-district of Mok Jam Pae | Poy Sang Long Ceremony | 19-22 March 2025 |
| Procession Khua Lu, Wat Mok Jam Pae | Procession Khua Lu | 21 March 2025 |
| Wat Hua Wiang, Chong Kham sub-district | Poy Sang Long Ceremony | 1-3 April 2025 |
| Khua Lu Procession, Wat Hua Wiang | Khua Lu Procession | 2 April 2025 |
| Wat Pa Lan, Pa Lan village, Huai Pong sub-district | Poy Sang Long Ceremony | 18-20 April 2025 |
| Khua Lu Procession, Wat Pa Lan | Khua Lu Procession | 19 April 2025 |
| Wat Ban Klang, Huai Pong sub-district | Poy Sang Long Ceremony | 1-3 May 2025 |
| Khua Lu Procession, Wat Ban Klang | Khua Lu Procession | 2 May 2025 |
Pai District Ceremonies
| Place of the ceremony | Information about the ceremony | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Wat Muang Soi, Muang Soi village | Poy Sang Long Ceremony | 25-27 April 2025 |
| Procession Khua Lu, Wat Muang Soi | Procession Khua Lu | 26 April 2025 |
Pang Mapha District Ceremonies
| Place of the ceremony** Information about the ceremony Date | Pang Mapha District | |
|---|---|---|
| Wat Thong Sa Lae, Pang Mapha District | Poy Sang Long Ceremony | 21-23 April 2025 |
| Khua Lu Procession, Wat Thong Sa Lae | Khua Lu Procession | 22 April 2025 |
Mae Sariang District Ceremonies
| Ceremony venue | Ceremony information | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Wat Sri Bunruang | Poy Sang Long Ceremony | 4-7 April 2025 |
| Procession Khua Lu, Wat Sri Bunruang | Procession Khua Lu | 5-6 April 2025 |
| Wat Suphan Rangsi | Poy Sang Long Ceremony | 4-6 April 2025 |
| Procession Khua Lu, Wat Suphan Rangsi | Procession Khua Lu | 5 April 2025 |
| Wat Sop Han Nuea | Poy Sang Long Ceremony | 24-26 April 2025 |
| Procession Khua Lu, Wat Sop Han Nuea | Procession Khua Lu | 25 April 2025 |
All the info about the Festival in Thailand
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About the Poy Sang Long Festival
What is the Poy Sang Long Festival?
The Poy Sang Long Festival is a traditional Buddhist ceremony celebrated by the Shan and Tai Yai communities, marking the ordination of young boys as novice monks. They are dressed in sumptuous costumes and accompanied by colourful parades and religious ceremonies.
Where does the Poy Sang Long festival take place?
The Poy Sang Long festival takes place mainly in the provinces of Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Pai and Pang Mapha, in northern Thailand. It is also held in certain regions of Myanmar.
When does the Poy Sang Long festival take place in 2025?
The festival takes place from 20 March to 20 April 2025. Specific dates may vary depending on the venue.
What are the main festival events?
The main events include ordination ceremonies for young boys as Buddhist novices, processions called Khua Lu, traditional dances and colourful parades through villages and temples.
Who can take part in the festival?
Although the ceremonies are mainly reserved for boys from the Shan and Tai Yai communities, foreign and local visitors are welcome to attend the events, discover the local culture and take part in the festivities.
What are the specific ceremony dates?
The dates of the ceremonies vary from district to district. For example, in Mueang Mae Hong Son, the ordination ceremony takes place between 19 and 22 March, while in Pai district it takes place between 25 and 27 April. See the specific times for each location in the article.
Why is the Poy Sang Long festival important?
Poy Sang Long is an important event for Shan families, as it represents the entry of young boys into monastic life, an important rite of passage in Buddhist culture. It is also a time to celebrate the culture and traditions of the Shan and Tai Yai communities.
Is the event suitable for children?
Yes, the festival is family-friendly and children can take part in some aspects of the festivities, including processions and traditional dances.
Where can I find out more about the festivities?
For more details, check out the different ceremony venues and their dates in the article. You can also follow the events on local guided tours.