Despite the hot weather in the ancient town of Lamphun, a large crowd of Buddhist votaries gathered at the foot of Tha Nang Bridge to welcome the annual Klong Luang (Lanna-style big drum) contest back after a two-year hiatus as part of the seven-day Phra That Hariphunchai Bathing Festival to mark Visakha Bucha Day.
The Klong Luang (Lanna-style big drum) contest returned to the ancient town of Lamphun to commemorate Visakha Bucha Day.
Set against a backdrop of azure skies and classic Lanna-style setting, a colourful parade of wooden carts have been modified to accommodate giant drums and young drummers from several temples both in Lamphun and adjacent cities Chiang Mai and Lampang. This year, the number of contenders has decreased from 100 to 30 due to the uncertain circumstances of the Covid-19 pandemic.
It was a familiar scenario when Rop…
