CHIANG RAI, March 19 (TNA) About 2,000 Thai, Myanmar and
Lao people participated in a pilgrimage to Wat Phra That Doi Tung in Mae Sai
district of Chiang Rai province to maintain the annual longstanding tradition
and promote Buddhism and tourism.
Phra Ratanamunee, acting ecclesiastic chief of Chiang Rai,
and Chiang Rai governor Prajon Pratyasakul launched the pilgrimage at Wat Sala
Choeng Doi in Huai Khrai sub-district of Mae Sai district. After the opening
ceremony, they led the crowd to walk on a nine-kilometer-long uphill trail to
Wat Phra That Doi Tung. Pilgrims need patience and faith to finish the walk.
In the past, revered monk Khruba Siwichai made the trail to
Wat Phra That Doi Tung on the top of the Doi Tung mountain. It is believed that
the temple houses Buddha’s left collar bone. Thus it has been a place of
worship and spiritual peace for local residents in the three countries.
Besides, the pagoda that keeps the Buddha relics at Wat Phra
That Doi Tung is believed to be the first pagoda with Buddha relics of the
ancient Lanna Kingdom. (TNA)
