Royal Ploughing Ceremony
Date(s): May 2008
Venue: Sanam Luang, Bangkok
The Royal Ploughing Ceremony is actually two ceremonies in one. The first, the Phra Ratchaphithi Phuetcha Mongkhon is a Buddhist ceremony to bless the plants. The second, the Charot Phra Nangkhan Kan is a brahmin ceremony to bless the plants. The ceremonies are carried out each year to bring good fortune to all plants, and to boost morale. This tradition was adopted during the reign of Rama IV. As noted in Rama V's book on the royal ceremonies of the twelves months, Phra Ratchaphithi Sipsong Duean. "Charot Phra Nangkhan used to only invoke brahmin rituals and in no way made use of buddhist rituals. However, Rama IV introduced the rites of the buddhist monks into the conduct of all royal ceremonies, of which the Charot I Phra Nangkhan is one. However, he set aside the buddhist ritual as a separate ceremony called Phuetcha Mongkhon".
It is believed that the Phra Ratchaphithi Charot Phra Nangkhan Raek Na Khwan, commonly known as the Raek Na Khwan Ceremony, dates back to before the days of Sukhothai, although there is no citable source to confirm this. The ceremony is referred to in the Nang Nopphamat Book, which dates from the Sukhothai period. During the Ayutthaya period, the ceremony was of great importance as it was recorded in the laws of the land as a compulsory royal ceremony that must be conducted in the 6th month. On the first day of ploughing, the king bestows his sword and sceptre to the Phraya Raek Na Khwan as though conferring his powers; at the same time he takes a step back and does not most a tropical grant audiences, taking a reduced load. In the Rattanakosin period, the Phra Ratchaphithi Phuetcha Mongkhon ceremony was conducted by monks on the grounds of Sanam Luang. The brahmin Phra Ratchaphithi Charot Phra Nangkhan Raek Na Khwan was conducted at Thung Som Poi, outside the Royal Palace. Both were conducted on the same day and at the same time. The Phra Ratchaphithi Charot Phra Nangkhan Raek Na Khwan was temporarily suspended between 1936 and 1959, during the transition from a government system of absolute monarchy to that of a constitutional monarchy. The practice of the Phra Ratchaphithi Phuetcha Mongkhon continued to be conducted throughout this time. In 1960, Rama IX brought the two ceremonies together as they had been in ancient times.
It is believed that the Phra Ratchaphithi Charot Phra Nangkhan Raek Na Khwan, commonly known as the Raek Na Khwan Ceremony, dates back to before the days of Sukhothai, although there is no citable source to confirm this. The ceremony is referred to in the Nang Nopphamat Book, which dates from the Sukhothai period. During the Ayutthaya period, the ceremony was of great importance as it was recorded in the laws of the land as a compulsory royal ceremony that must be conducted in the 6th month. On the first day of ploughing, the king bestows his sword and sceptre to the Phraya Raek Na Khwan as though conferring his powers; at the same time he takes a step back and does not most a tropical grant audiences, taking a reduced load. In the Rattanakosin period, the Phra Ratchaphithi Phuetcha Mongkhon ceremony was conducted by monks on the grounds of Sanam Luang. The brahmin Phra Ratchaphithi Charot Phra Nangkhan Raek Na Khwan was conducted at Thung Som Poi, outside the Royal Palace. Both were conducted on the same day and at the same time. The Phra Ratchaphithi Charot Phra Nangkhan Raek Na Khwan was temporarily suspended between 1936 and 1959, during the transition from a government system of absolute monarchy to that of a constitutional monarchy. The practice of the Phra Ratchaphithi Phuetcha Mongkhon continued to be conducted throughout this time. In 1960, Rama IX brought the two ceremonies together as they had been in ancient times.
More detail: http://www.tat.or.th/festival
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This festival was originally aimed at payings respect to the Lord Buddha. Then the competition of the illuminated boat processions was organised to add colour to the event. An invitation is delivered to the public and private sectors, including temples,to participate in the competition. The illuminated boats lined up in the middle of the Mekong River create an impressive scene for viewers.
