Thailand's cultural heritage is rich with holidays and festivals. Religious holidays commemorating important events in the life of the Buddha, royal holidays celebrating dynastic and personal events, agricultural holidays seeking bountiful harvests, and cultural festivities portraying prominent periods in Thai cultural history all contribute to a kaleidoscope of colourful activities that have long captured the hearts of the local people as well as the interest of visitors. In this book, the author discusses the reasons for observing the various festivals, the origins and legends that surround them, and the location and time of year they take place, and shows how, in Thailand, religion and culture are intertwined. 'Images of Asia' offers a range of titles covering aspects of life and culture in South-East Asia. Each book in the series combines an introductory text, written for the non-specialist reader by an authority on the subjects, with extensive illustrations both in colour and black and white. 'Images of Asia' therefore provides a means of acquiring a deeper understanding and appreciation of the region in all its diversity.