Chiang Mai: The Chiang Mai New Year tradition is full of colorful culture. Villagers prepare offerings to make merit at the temple, buy Tung Cho Tung Chai to place in sand pagodas according to the beliefs of the Lanna people.
According to Thai News Agency, at Wat Chet Lin, an ancient temple in Chiang Mai, every year they build the most beautiful sand pagoda, or the highest sand pagoda made of bamboo. It is a large sand pagoda, 17 meters high, equivalent to a 3-story building, with a base 10 meters wide and 10 meters long. It uses bamboo as the structure and requires 200 cubic meters of sand. Chiang Mai residents and tourists can place Tung Cho Tung Chai on the sand pagoda as an offering to the Buddha, to enhance their auspiciousness so that they can overcome obstacles and be successful throughout the year. It is also a way to dedicate merit to their deceased ancestors so that they can cling to the Tung Cho Tung Chai and ascend to heaven. Tung Cho Tung Chai is also a symbol of celebration and victory according to the beliefs of the Lanna people.
Today, according to the Lanna New Year tradition, is considered Wan Nao or Wan Nao. The sun is orbiting between the zodiac signs, passing the old year but not yet entering the new year. It is forbidden to curse at each other because it will bring bad luck throughout the year. In addition, it is Wan Da or the day to prepare things to make merit. Many fresh markets are crowded with Chiang Mai people, especially at Pratu Chiang Mai Market. Chiang Mai people come out to buy things since early morning, preparing food, various things, including Tung Cho Tung Chai to put in the sand pagoda at the temple and the Sari pole or Bodhi tree pole, which is a symbol of supporting Buddhism and supporting destiny.