Hello everyone

Last night was a special occasion for me and my grandchildren as we embarked on a journey to the temple fair, an annual event steeped in tradition and festivity. It had been years since I last indulged in the vibrant atmosphere of a provincial temple fair, and the anticipation tingled in the air as we made our way through the bustling streets. As we approached the fairgrounds, the aroma of sizzling street food mingled with the sound of lively music, drawing us closer with each step. Lanterns adorned the pathways, casting a warm glow upon the throngs of people milling about, their laughter and chatter creating a symphony of excitement.

My grandchildren, wide-eyed with wonder, clung to my hand as we navigated through the maze of stalls adorned with colorful banners and glittering trinkets. Their eager curiosity was infectious, reigniting within me a sense of joy and nostalgia for the festivities of my youth.

In temple festivals across different provinces, one tradition reigns supreme: the Retro Dance. This beloved activity, steeped in history, continues to enchant crowds and add a special flair to the festivities. Hiring retro dancers has become a popular practice in many temple events. These skilled performers take to the stage, captivating audiences with their lively moves and the modern twist they bring to classic tunes. Whether it's upbeat string music or contemporary country hits, the music accompanying the Retro Dance sets the stage for fun and excitement.

The infectious energy of the Retro Dance draws in crowds, with villagers flocking to the stage to witness the spectacle. Some choose to watch from afar, while others eagerly join in, unable to resist the call of the music and laughter. For those brave enough to step onto the stage, each dance becomes a memorable experience. Each song played marks a round, and participants can purchase tickets to dance alongside the performers. With tickets usually priced at 20 baht per song, the opportunity to join in the fun is accessible to all.

As the music starts, the dance floor fills with villagers of all ages, moving and grooving together in harmony. The joyous atmosphere is contagious, spreading from the stage to the surrounding crowd, creating an unforgettable moment of community and celebration.

The temple fair in my sister's village took on a unique flavor this year, thanks to its proximity to the Myanmar border. With a steady stream of Myanmar residents crossing over to work in the village, the cultural exchange was palpable, adding an exciting dimension to the festivities. Among the attractions at the temple fair was a special Burmese drama performance, a nod to the growing influence of the neighboring country's culture. As the vibrant colors and melodious voices filled the air, the audience was transported to distant lands, enraptured by the exotic allure of the performance.

What truly stood out this year, however, was the influx of Myanmar visitors to the temple fair. Their presence lent an air of diversity and inclusivity to the event, enriching the experience for all who attended.

Even my grandchildren, caught up in the excitement of the moment, eagerly explored the fairgrounds. They rode the tram, their laughter mingling with the chatter of fellow revelers, as they reveled in the joyous atmosphere.

Amidst the bustling atmosphere of the temple event, nestled within a small shop, we discovered a treasure trove of Myanmar cuisine. My sister and I were immediately drawn to one particular delicacy that held a special place in our hearts: "Wat daw to." Similar in essence to stewed pork innards, "wat daw to" offered a tantalizing blend of flavors and textures that never failed to delight our taste buds. The vendor expertly sliced the tender morsels into bite-sized pieces before skewering them onto sticks, ready to be savored with the accompanying orange dipping sauce.

To complement the hearty main dish, we indulged in side dishes reminiscent of Thai pork leg rice, complete with garlic and fiery bird's eye chili. The harmonious combination of flavors and textures left us craving more, and before we knew it, we had devoured a staggering 40 sticks of "wat daw to." At just 2 baht per stick, the satisfaction derived from indulging in this culinary delight was unmatched.

*Despite the tempting array of Myanmar foods at the temple festival, I found myself hesitating to indulge in unfamiliar dishes, some of which I didn't dare to try. As the evening drew to a close, my sister and I made our way home, our hearts full from the excitement of the festival and the memories we had created together. Though we hadn't sampled all the delights the festival had to offer, our spirits were lifted by the sense of community and camaraderie that had surrounded us throughout the day.

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