Lottery fever: Crowds flock to Ganesha shrine in central Thailand
Devotees turn to ancient rituals and offerings to seek fortune
Worshippers are gathering at Thailand’s largest Ganesha statue to seek blessings and lucky numbers ahead of the national lottery draw tomorrow.
Crowds flock to Chachoengsao’s famed riverside park, home to the world’s largest standing Ganesha statue, in a bid to gain blessings, fortune, and maybe even the winning lottery numbers.
Yesterday, October 14, with hopeful visitors gathering to pay respects and seek divine guidance. Many believe the deity will reveal lucky numbers through incense smoke and offerings, as they pray for wealth, success, and protection.
Offerings of water, milk, fruit, flowers, and traditional ladoo modak sweets are laid before the towering bronze statue. Visitors light nine incense sticks and two candles before reciting their full name, birthdate, and personal wishes aloud. After that, they walk clockwise three times around the statue, placing specific flowers along the path. A quirky but heartfelt tradition sees devotees whispering their wishes into the ear of Musika, Ganesha’s mouse companion, believed to deliver the message swiftly to the deity.
Among the faithful was 49 year old local Kanokporn Wongsakulka, who shared her experience after performing the ritual, reported KhaoSod.
“I asked for success and prosperity, and when I lit the incense, I saw the numbers 24 and 243 appear. That’s what I’ll use for the lottery.”
Ganesha, a revered deity with origins dating back over 4,000 years in Hindu tradition, holds a special place in Thai culture. Known as the remover of obstacles and the god of success, he is especially worshipped by those in education, business, and the arts. His following continues to grow across Thailand.
The statue itself is a sight to behold: a 39-metre tall bronze marvel, including its base, made up of 854 interlocking pieces. Construction began in 2008 and was completed in 2012. Located along the Bang Pakong River in Khlong Khuean district, the monument stands on a 25-rai plot and draws thousands of visitors year-round.
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