Project to
enhance the value and preserve the local culture in order to revive the arts,
culture, and the essence of being Thai, and to promote the intelligent music
image. Cultural heritage
conservation activities in Nakhon Sawan, in celebration of the Chinese New Year
2023. From historical
and archaeological evidence, it is known that Nakhon Sawan has been a human
settlement since prehistoric times, developing into an urban community in
historical times, and thriving as time passed. Additionally, the economic
expansion of Nakhon Sawan province attracted foreigners to come for trade and
establish bases in the province in large numbers, especially the Chinese who
became a significant group contributing to the rapid growth of Nakhon Sawan's
economy. The history of
Chinese immigrants establishing their base in Nakhon Sawan reflects the
struggles and way of life of all Chinese language groups. These Chinese
immigrants and those born in Nakhon Sawan are hardworking, disciplined, and
able to adapt well to Thai society, thus being able to continuously contribute
to the economy of Nakhon Sawan. Moreover, as more Chinese people settled in
Nakhon Sawan and formed Chinese communities, they would often build shrines to
serve as a place to anchor the minds of the Chinese in their community. The
beliefs, culture, and way of life of Chinese people coming to Nakhon Sawan have
continually intertwined with Thai culture over many decades, resulting in the
Chinese community becoming an integral part of Nakhon Sawan society. Currently,
Thai-Chinese ethnic groups in Nakhon Sawan are spread across various districts
of the province, living a life that blends with Thai culture while maintaining
their own traditions very well. Particularly, the celebration of the Chinese
New Year, where Thai people of Chinese descent and Thais in the vicinity of Pak
Nam Pho come together to hold the "Procession of the River God and River
Goddess" festival, which has become a well-known local tradition in Nakhon
Sawan, attracting people from all over the country to participate in this event
every year. The ceremony of
"Procession of the God and Goddess at Paknampho" will involve
inviting the God and Goddess from the shrine of Theppharak and Thapthim, as
well as the shrine of Napha Napa, to parade around the market for the
prosperity and well-being of the people of Paknampho market and their families.
This tradition is held every year on the first night of the first Chinese lunar
month during the Chinese New Year festival, and has been passed down for over
100 years. It is a way to show respect and gratitude to the deities, to bring
blessings to life, and to enhance prosperity in trade. Furthermore, in
the year 2018, the "Procession of the God and Goddess at Paknampho"
was registered as a cultural heritage in the Thai cultural heritage list for
the year 2018. This was approved by the Committee for the Promotion and
Preservation of Cultural Heritage on March 22, 2018, to protect the cultural
heritage of the local and national level. The procession is considered a
cultural heritage in terms of societal practices, ceremonies, and festivals,
and was officially announced in the Royal Gazette on June 27, 2018. The Office of
Arts and Culture of Nakhon Sawan Rajabhat University, as the main unit
responsible for the preservation and promotion of Thai arts, culture,
traditions, way of life, and moral ethics, recognizes the importance of Chinese
culture in Nakhon Sawan society. Therefore, they organized the event
"Reviving Chinese Culture in Nakhon Sawan, on the occasion of the Chinese
New Year festival 2018", to uphold and promote Chinese arts and culture in
Nakhon Sawan. This event aims to contribute to the conservation of culture
among Thai-Chinese descendants in Nakhon Sawan for future generations.