BANGKOK, Dec 16 (TNA) – People are invited to pay respects to the Buddha’s hair relics from Sri Lanka, enshrined at Wat Bowonniwet Vihara in Bangkok from Dec 15 to Jan 15.
The Buddha’s relics arrived at Suvarnabhumi Airport on Sunday morning. Culture Minister Itthipol Khunpluem presided over the ceremony to move the hair relics to be placed at the temple.
A floral procession carried the Buddha’s relics from the Mahajetsadabodin Royal Pavilion on Ratchadamnoen Klang Road to Wat Bowonniwet.
A four-metre sculpture of a white elephant, a symbol of Sri Lanka was placed on the vehicle, decorated with fresh flowers, conveying good relations between Thailand and Sri Lanka.
This year also marks the 260th anniversary of Siam Wong Nikaya, a prominent Thai-Buddhist sect in Sri Lanka.
The sacred Buddha’s hair relics is enshrined at the Nelligala International Buddhist Centre in Sri Lanka and it is the first time the hair relics of the Lord Buddha is moved out of the country on the special occasion, so Thai people can pay respects to the Buddha’s relics for the New Year’s blessing.
The worship session is arranged three rounds daily in accordance with the Sri Lankan tradition at 6:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.
During this 32-day period, preaching and prayers will be held from 7-8 p.m. on Saturdays and the Buddhist holy days. Participants are advised to wear all white outfits. (TNA)
