Mai Ko Shom Fai, the Theravada Buddhist festival was celebrated with traditional pomp and gaiety at Bor Khamti village under Kherajkhat Mouza of Nararayapur of Lakhimpur district on Tuesday.
The Bor Khamti village in Lakhimpur’s Narayanpur area has a sizable Tai Khamti population spread over Sri Bhuyan, Borpathar, Borbali, Deotola and Gossainbari villages and the festivities were organized in a two-day event held at Kongmu Kham (Golden Pagoda) in Bor Khamti village from Monday which also fell on Maghi Purnima (the full moon night of the month of Magh).
A stupa-like structure was made up with stacks of firewood on this auspicious occasion at the festival venue. The entire stack of firewood is then offered to Buddha in that festival. The stack was set on fire early in the morning followed by a feast.
The Tai Khamtis celebrate many festivals and rituals which are connected with the events associated with Buddhism.
Rites and rituals are performed with Buddha, Dhamma, Sangha Vandana, Khamapana, taking refuge in Trisarana and observance of Sila. At the end of every ritual Metta Bhavana Gatha is recited for well-being of all sentinels.
People from all walks of life, dressed in their traditional attire, came to witness the occasion with much fanfare and enthusiasm.
