Roi Et Phawed Merit-Making Festival 2026 or “ Mahatan Baramee, the Phawed merit-making tradition ” invites spectators to witness the grand Wesak Jataka procession at Roi Et’s annual event, preserving Isan’s religious and cultural heritage. It offers locals and tourists a chance to experience the merit-making atmosphere in the fourth lunar month according to the “ twelve rituals ” tradition, aiming to promote Thai customs and stimulate the local economy.
“ Phawed Merit-Making ” also known as “ Boon Mahachat ” is a merit-making tradition following the twelve rituals of the Isan people. The term “ Phawed ” is a phonetic variation of “ Phra Wes ”, referring to Phra Wesanda (Prince Vessantara), the last incarnation before attaining Buddhahood.
The core of the festival is the sermon of the complete 13 chapters of the Phra Wesanda Jataka in a single day. It is believed that those who attentively listen and practice good deeds will receive great merit and may be reborn in the era of Maitreya Buddha in the future.
The Phawed festival is held annually during the third or fourth lunar month, usually spanning three days: preparation day, the Wesak procession and sermon day, and the day of alms-giving with a thousand rice bundles, including chanting ceremonies. Roi Et province has promoted this event as a major annual festival for over 30 years.
The 36th annual Mahatan Baramee, or “Phawed Merit-Making Festival” 2026, is scheduled as follows:
One key highlight that tourists should not miss is the “ Wesak Jataka procession ” — a grand parade illustrating all 13 chapters through elaborately decorated floats, traditional local performers, Isan-style dance, and performances by the Molam folk singing troupe. There is also a lengthy Phawed cloth parade narrating the entire story of Prince Vessantara, symbolically inviting the spirit of Phra Wes into the city, creating a lively and devoted atmosphere throughout Roi Et. This reflects the community's unified effort to preserve this important hometown tradition, whichlaststhree full days from 6 to 8 March 2026.
However, the 2026 Roi Et Phawed Merit-Making Festival is not just an annual religious event but also a key platform for the province to promote cultural tourism, generate income for local residents, and help preserve the “ twelve rituals ” customs of the Isan people for future generations.
Source of information:Public Relations, Roi Et Municipality
Image source:Roi Et Provincial Public Relations Office
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