11:00 AM: Opening Remarks By Chancellor Brady Deaton 11:15 AM: Rod Nam Dam Hua CeremonyPeople in Northwest Thailand conduct the bathing ritual to the elders and respected ones on New Year’s day. Apart from flowers, candles, incense sticks, and new clothes, betel nuts, Acacia water, and traditional perfume are also part of the gifts presented. Betel nut is a symbol of respect and hospitality. In the old days, Acacia water was used as soap. Once the elders receive the gifts, they will sprinkle the Acacia water and the perfume on top of the youngs’ heads to give them blessings. Nowadays, some people still bring their new clothes and personal belongings along with other ritual objects, such as banana, sugarcane, and jackfruit leaves, to the temple so that Buddhist monks can sprinkle them with holy water in order to purify the clothes. These clothes and objects will be kept untouched for days for auspiciousness.
12:00 PM: Long Drum Parade
1:00 PM: Traditional Thai Music Performance
2:00 PM: Som Tum (Spicy Papaya Salad) Eating Contest
2:45 PM: Water Fight
