The Khao Wong Phrachan Temple Fair: Creation and Roles in Contemporary Thai Society

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Khao Wong Phrachan is a significant tourist attraction in Lopburi. Every year, during the third lunar month (Makha Bucha Day), the Khao Wong Phrachan Temple Fair is held for locals and tourists to pay homage to the Buddha’s footprint, and this festival has continued from the past to the present. This research aims to study the concepts behind the creation of the Khao Wong Phrachan Temple Fair within the context of contemporary Thai society, the factors affecting the changes of this festival, and the roles of the festival in contemporary Thai society. 

Methods: This qualitative research collected data through semi-structured interviews, observations, and document analysis with a total of 11 key informants from the community in Huai Pong subdistrict, Khok Samrong district, Lopburi province. They were selected using purposive sampling, and the snowball or chain sampling method was also used to reach further informants. The data analysis was based on the concept of creative folklore and the role of folklore.

Results: The findings showed three issues. 1) There were five concepts in the organizing of the Khao Wong Phrachan Temple Fair in contemporary Thai society. They included: 1.1 the integration of traditional cultural capital with new creativity, 1.2 the accommodation of multiculturalism and the blending of beliefs, 1.3 the transformation of sacred spaces into sites of creative tourism, 1.4 the reconstruction of rituals within the framework of traditional beliefs, and 1.5 the collaborative integration of stakeholders across various sectors. 2) There were five factors involved in changes in the festival’s organization, which were: 2.1 the organizers, 2.2 the objectives of the event, 2.3 the activity formats, 2.4 the sacred objects or amulets, and 2.5 the public relations. 3) There were four roles of the Khao Wong Phrachan Temple Fair, which were: 3.1 reinforcing cultural beliefs and societal values, 3.2 studying and disseminating knowledge, 3.3 regulating society, and 3.4 providing entertainment.

Application of this study: This research expands the scope of creative folklore studies within the context of temple fairs in contemporary Thai society and contributes to enriching research on local traditions and belief systems in Lopburi. The findings offer in-depth insights into the factors shaping the structure and roles of the Khao Wong Phrachan Temple Fair. The data can be utilized to support cultural tourism management and community development initiatives.

Conclusions: The central concept behind the organization of the Khao Wong Phrachan Temple Fair originates from the belief in “the veneration of the Buddha’s footprint”. Over time, this belief has been blended with Thai-Chinese beliefs, particularly those related to the Buddha’s footprints and the worship of deities on high mountains. The sacred site has gradually been developed into a tourism destination for the younger generation by creating new meanings within a changing social, economic, and technological context to align with the modern era and tourism. This reflects the Khao Wong Phrachan Temple Fair’s important role in preserving religious rituals and maintaining the social and local cultural structures of Lopburi in order to retain its own identity and traditional culture. At the same time, this can further enhance the progress of local communities.