Tai-Khamyang Heritage Society, Chalapothar
An online portal of Tai Khamyang people residing in the village of Chalapothar Shyam Gaon (Khamyang), Via-Lakwa, District-Charaideo, PIN-785688, Assam, India
Festivals
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Poi-Sangken (Water Festival) will be celebrated from 14th of April to 16th of April at all the Buddha Monasteries across the places populated by Tai Khamyang community along with other communities. The Poi or festival is a spring festival of Tai Buddhist of the world. The word is originated from the Pali/Sanskrit word Sagkranti and this festival is observed by Tais (Thai) of Thailand and Myanmar simultaneously by following same Tai Buddhist calendar. The Poi Sanken festival starts on the day of and continues for three days.During the festival the statues of Lord Buddha are showered with clean and scented water. However on the closing day of this ceremony people start splashing water and mud on each other. The Tai peoples believe that throwing water at each other will wash away enmity and sin of the society.
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Poi Mai-Ko-Chum-Phai is another important festival observed by the Tai Khamyangs of Assam. It is observed on the full moon day of the Assamese month Magh (Maghi Purnima). It is said that during the day of Maghi Purnima Siddhartha Gautama declared about his in . This festival is observed by firing woods and significance of which is impermanence (Anitya-Dukha-Anatma). During the festival the Tai Khamyangs prepare a traditional food and offer it to each other.
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Buddha Purnima (Poi Noun Houk) is observed on the fool moon day of the Assamese month Baisakh. The significance of this day is related to the three great events which are, birth, death and getting enlightenment of Buddha.
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Barsha Bash (Chatang) Monsoon Fast starts from full moon of 'Ahara' to the fool moon of 'Ahina'. During the festival Buddhist Monks (Bhante) and follower of Eight Precepts visit Monastery (Kyong) for prayer and undertake fast for three month. The starting day of Barsha Bash is Called Poi Khaw Wa and ending day is called Poi Akwa.
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However, beside these there are some other festivals like Poi Patesa (Kalpataru), Poi Lu Fra, Poi Kanta Sangha, Poi Lu Kyong and Poi Kathin (Kathin Sivara) etc.
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Poi-Pee-Mau Tai (Tai New Year Celebration) is a festival of Tai Khamyang people like other Tai communities (Exg; Khamti, Phake, Turung, Aiton, Ahom, Shan etc).
