Prayers for HM The King

On Saturday, Thai people all over the country were invited to take part in Buddhist chanting called “Phra Paritr”. This was done as a tribute to His Majesty the King on the auspicious occasion of his 84th birthday anniversary this year. The Phra Paritr religious ceremony took place simultaneously in both Bangkok and the provinces on Saturday, 25 June, starting at exactly 3:29 p.m.

Phra Paritr ceremonies date back to ancient times and are performed to bring good health and ensure protection from all forms of ailment and evil. In Bangkok, it was held at the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and was presided over by Her Royal Highness Princess Soamsawali. It was also broadcast live on NBT and Radio Thailand. At the same time, a number of temples in the provinces also held simultaneous events.

I took these pictures at Wat Pichai Songkram in Samut Prakan Province. Government officials and local people were invited to take part in this important event which was also attended by 99 monks. Everyone was asked to wear white. During the ceremony, the lay people were urged to refrain from drinking alcohol during the upcoming Buddhist Rains Retreat which lasts for three months. They were asked to do this in order to make merit for His Majesty The King.

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