Residents of Chinese ancestry go on a ten- day vegetarian diet and there are ceremonies at local Chinese temples as well as parades that feature remarkable feats by ascetic believers. This annual festival originated among immigrant workers during the 19th century and remains one of Phuket's major events. Residents of Chinese ancestry undertake a ten-day vegetarian diet, and there are ceremonies at local Chinese temples and parades that feature remarkable feats by ascetic believers. The races are enhanced by the distinctive Nan boats, long, hollowed- out logs painted with bright colours and adorned with fanciful designs. The water buffalo is one of the mainstays in the life of a Thai farmer, but in this annual event it is put to more amusing uses than ploughing local fields, namely in buffalo races and contests pitting buffalo against man.
Beauty contests add to the fun of a festival that attracts crowds from nearby seaside resorts.
After wax castles are ceremoniously paraded through- out the provincial, and presented to temples, the province's annual regatta takes place amid cheerful festivities the following day. Thot Phapa takes place at dawn, before Chak Phra, the ceremony when Buddha images on elaborately decorated carriages are pulled by local people in land and water-borne processions. There are also traditional forms of evening entertainment. Nakhon Phanom Located on the bank of the Mekong River, the provincial capital of Nakhon Phanom observes Ok Phansa the end of Buddhist Rains Retreat by setting intricately decorated boats each containing a lighted candle, adrift on the river when night falls. Various entertainment is also provided in the town during the several days of the festival.