Songkran 2026 Maha Songkran Isan Nong Khai 2026: "Songkran Phakhao Ma Samma Luang Pho Phra Sai" – the faith power of the Mekong River Basin.
Get ready for the grandest festival of Nong Khai, the "Songkran Phakhao Ma Samma Luang Pho Phra Sai" of 2026 at Wat Pho Chai, a royal monastery. Experience the merit-making traditions, sacred water pouring on the holy Buddha image, and enjoy magnificent performances lasting six days and six nights.
The 2026 Songkran Queen is named "Raksasadevi." She arrives mounted on the back of a mythical boar, gathering the harvest, foretelling a mixed fate of crops with partial success and failure.
Luang Pho Phra Sai is a Buddha image seated in the meditative posture with the gesture of subduing Mara, cast in golden bronze with exquisite features. Legend says it was created by three princesses, daughters of the Lan Xang kings (Phra Suk, Phra Serm, and Phra Sai). During the procession crossing the Mekong River to Thai soil, a miraculous event occurred, leading to the enshrinement of Luang Pho Phra Sai at Wat Pho Chai to this day.
Beliefs about the Holy Water Pouring Ceremony.
The people of Nong Khai and Laos believe that pouring water over Luang Pho Phra Sai symbolizes cleansing misfortune and seeking blessings for peace, prosperity, timely rain, and auspiciousness in life.
In the past, the original Luang Pho Phra Sai was taken down from the ubosot (ordination hall) to be paraded around the city for people to pour water on it closely. To preserve and protect the centuries-old artistic heritage, the temple now uses a "replica of Luang Pho Phra Sai" that is identical in appearance for the procession and water pouring, preventing damage to the original statue’s gold surface and structure from moisture and scented water.
Event dates: 12 – 18 April 2026.
Location: Wat Pho Chai, a royal monastery, Mueang District, Nong Khai Province.
Date/Month/Year. | Key activities and highlights. |
12 Apr 26. | Ceremony of traditional dance offerings to Luang Pho Phra Sai / Cultural performances themed "Buddha’s Glory of Luang Pho Phra Sai." |
13 Apr 26. | Highlight: The procession of Luang Pho Phra Sai being brought down from the ubosot and paraded around the city for the public to pour water. |
13 Apr 26. | Enjoy Mor Lam performance by the 'Mor Lam Jai Kuen Roi' troupe (Boy Sirichai). |
14 Apr 26. | Watch Mor Lam by the 'Isan Nakhon Sin' troupe. |
15 Apr 26. | Watch Mor Lam by the 'Siang Isan' troupe. |
16 Apr 26. | Watch Mor Lam by the 'Rattana Sin Inta Thai Rat' troupe. |
17 Apr 26. | Big match: The 'Rabiab Wathasin' troupe versus P Sadet. |
18 Apr 26. | Ceremony of returning Luang Pho Phra Sai to the ubosot (closing ceremony). |