Prachuap Khiri Khan holds water ceremony for king’s birthday
The governor of Prachuap Khiri Khan led a sacred water collection ceremony at Wat Khao Tham Ma Rong, Bang Saphan, in honour of King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s upcoming 72nd birthday celebration.
Somkid Chantamorn, the Governor of Prachuap Khiri Khan, presided over a sacred water collection ceremony yesterday, July 4, at Wat Khao Tham Ma Rong in Pong Prasat subdistrict, Bang Saphan district, Prachuap Khiri Khan province. This ritual was part of the celebrations for the king’s 72nd birthday on July 28.
The ceremony aimed to gather holy water to prepare sacred Buddhist water for the king’s grand birthday celebration. Among the attendees were Assistant Professor Dr Sasithorn Chantamorn, President of the Provincial Red Cross Chapter, deputy governors Kittipong Sukphakakul, Komkrit Charoenphatsombat, Ongkharak Thongniramol, and Sinathorn Oei-am.
Several heads of government departments and officials were present, along with a large number of citizens who donned yellow shirts to participate in the ceremony. Large LED screens were installed to broadcast the event for those attending.
The governor began the ceremony by placing a floral cone in front of a portrait of the king as a mark of respect. He then proceeded to the sacrificial table, where he lit incense and candles to begin the sacred water collection ritual. A Brahmin priest chanted invocations to honour the deities and guardians of the holy water site. The governor followed by reciting the water collection incantation.
Upon completing the recitation, the governor, accompanied by officials, took the sacred water vessel and scoops to the divine water well. Water was drawn from the well to fill 80% of the sacred water vessel at the auspicious time of 2.49pm. The vessel was then sealed with a white cloth and ribbon.
The sealed sacred water vessel was transported to the Prachuap Khiri Khan Provincial Hall for safekeeping. The water will be used in a sanctification ceremony and candlelight procession on July 7 and 8 at the Wat Khlong Wan Royal Monastery in Mueang Prachuap Khiri Khan, reported KhaoSod.
