Deity Festival

The yearly Chinese deity festival is an important event for the local Chinese community and the whole village / district.

Chao Mae Lim Ko Niao Chinese Shrine
	This yearly Chinese deity festival takes place in Nakhon Pathom (นครปฐม) around Chinese New Year.

The Thai name for this Chinese shrine is เจ้าแม่ลิ้มโกวเหนี่ยว.

	Deity Festival
The Chinese shrine (โรงเจจีเต็กลิ้ม) is decorated with many red lanterns.

Many advertisements promoting the festival are displayed in Nakhon Pathom streets.

Chinese opera
	Chinese opera is called "GNIOU" (งิ้ว) in Thai language. Nowadays most performers are Thai actors coming from "ISAN" (อีสาน - northeastern part of Thailand). They don't know Chinese language meaning but learn their roles by rote learning. Chinese opera performances are made as a gift to Chinese gods.

Chinese opera companies are still hired not to perform in front of live audiences but in front of invisible deities in Chinese shrines.

	Deity Festival
Thai Chinese people come to the shrine to worship (บูชา) the deity. They give red envelopes (อังเป่า) and golden objects.

Deity Festival
	Free food is offered in a vegetarian restaurant (โรงเจ) opened for this specific event.

	Deity Festival
Thai Chinese people come to the shrine to also worship (บูชา) the sacred turtles and goats to get protection against possible accidents.

Deity Festival
	People are offering lotus flowers and joss sticks to local Chinese deities.

	Deity Festival
Impressive Chinese deities are covered with red and golden clothes. The deity wears a golden mask.

Astrologer
	An astrologer (หมอดู) is here to answer to any questions (how to have good business and so on...)

The festival starts early every day at 6AM and closes at 6PM.

	Deity Festival
Goddess Chao Mae Lim Ko Niao is represented in many forms and various displays. Golden color is dominant.

Chinese opera performances happen at night time.

Goddess Chao Mae Lim Ko Niao Festival

Click to see more pictures