From 28 September to 12 October 2026, Nakhon Si Thammarat, in southern Thailand, comes alive with its annual 10th Lunar Month Festival, one of the province's most cherished traditions. The celebration brings together merit-making ceremonies, local performing arts, traditional food, cultural activities, and the Red Cross Fair.

According to local belief, the deceased ancestors are temporarily released from the underworld during the 10th lunar month to visit their living relatives. "Wan Rap Ta Yay" marks their arrival, while "Wan Song Ta Yay" is the main merit-making day before they depart. Families prepare offerings and make merit in honor of their ancestors, with special emphasis on the final day.

This year's highlights include the Mharub procession–featuring large, beautifully arranged trays of food and daily necessities, prepared as offerings to monks and in honor of ancestors–and Mharub competition for the Royal Golden Mharub Trophy, the ancient Mharub offering ceremony, and the performance "103 Years of Great Merit, Continuing Faith Toward World Heritage." Visitors can also enjoy the Royal Cup Nang Talung shadow puppet competition, Manora performances, Phleng Bok folk singing, traditional 10th Month desserts, local food demonstrations, cultural exhibitions, Thai fabric fashion shows, and youth activities. The Red Cross Fair adds OTOP products, government exhibitions, demonstrations, and entertainment.

While the tradition's exact origins are uncertain, scholars believe it grew out of the Hindu Shraddha ritual of making offerings to ancestors, which was later blended with local beliefs and Buddhist practice. Over generations, it took deep root in southern Thai communities, especially in Nakhon Si Thammarat, a province renowned for its religious and cultural heritage. Today, the festival preserves local wisdom, faith, and cultural identity while supporting cultural tourism and the creative economy.

Festival Schedule Highlights
• 28 September 28: Opening ceremony at Somdet Phra Srinagarindra '84 Park (Thung Tha Lat).
• 29 September–1 October: Nang Talung competition for ages 18–39 and cultural activities.
• 4–6 October: Nang Talung competition for ages 40 and above.
• 9 October: Final round of the Nang Talung competition for ages 18–39.
• 10 October: Mharub competition and procession, ancient Mharub offering ceremony, and Royal Golden Mharub Trophy presentation. The procession starts at 9:00 a.m. from the City Park Ground, traveling along Ratchadamnoen Road to Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan.
• 11 October: “Wan Song Ta Yay,” the main merit-making day, and final round of the Nang Talung competition for ages 40 and above.

Event Details
Dates: 28 September–12 October 2026
Locations: Sanam Na Mueang (City Park Ground) and Somdet Phra Srinagarindra '84 Park (Thung Tha Lat), Nakhon Si Thammarat Province.