Udon Thani province in the Northeast is ready to welcome all
visitors to its annual “Ban Chiang Heritage Festival,” which celebrates
Thailand’s distant past – the Ban Chiang civilization.
Organized jointly by Udon Thani and the Tourism Authority of
Thailand (TAT), Udon Thani Office, the festival takes place at the Ban Chiang
National Museum in Nong Han district from 7 to 9 February 2014.
The 5,600-year-old prehistoric archeological site of Ban
Chiang is considered the most important prehistoric settlement so far
discovered in Southeast Asia. It also marks an important stage in humankind’s
cultural, social, and technological evolution. The site, which may well be
among the oldest in the world, presents the earliest evidence of farming in the
region and of the manufacture and use of metals.
The archeological site of Ban Chiang, together with its
surrounding area, was declared a World Heritage Site. It comprises three
components. One is the Ban Chiang National Museum with a wealth of artifacts
and displays explaining the ancient Ban Chiang culture and technology. The
complementary component is an open-air museum in the compound of the monastery
named Wat Pho Si Nai, where burial grounds were excavated. Another component of
the Ban Chiang World Heritage Site is the prehistoric site of Mueang Nong Han
Noi, located nearby.
TAT Governor Thawatchai Arunyik stated that the Ban Chiang
era was an important time in Thai history, and the discoveries in Udon Thani
offer a glimpse into the past. There are some fascinating things to learn for
lovers of history and tourists looking to see a new side of Thailand. In
addition, during the Ban Chiang Heritage Festival, there are many activities
and sports to see, as well as age-old arts and crafts, so even visitors who are
not so interested in the spectacular historic sites will enjoy their time here.
According to TAT, the highlights of the three-day festival
will be the archaeological discoveries themselves. The artifacts can be seen
for free both at the Ban Chiang National Museum and the fascinating Pho Si Nai
archaeological site.
Other activities include cultural shows and music,
especially Pong Lang music, which reflects the typical folk
arts of the northeastern region. The festival features various displays of
Isan, or northeastern, culture, including folk dancing and Thai boxing matches.
There will also be concerts of Mo Lam, which is
a traditional performing art well-known in northeastern Thailand, along with
boat racing, cooking competitions, an aerobic dancing contest, and a light and
sound presentation accompanied by drum performances.
Visitors may dig around the shops for local products, taste
the local food, and even emulate the Bronze Age ancestors by attempting to make
some Ban Chiang pottery. Ban Chiang is famous for its beautiful red painted
pottery.
(thailand.prd.go.th)