CityNews – Chiang Mai is preparing for the New Year’s Countdown this year with celebration events including candlelit tributes to the late King Bhumibol Aduyladej and temple New Year merit making ceremonies.
Wat Lok Molee is inviting people to partake in counting down to the New Year through a merit making ceremony. Prayers will be read over the midnight hour, and tributes will be paid to Royal Charities in remembrance of the late King and in celebration of the new King, His Royal Highness King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun. The ceremony will begin at 7pm on December 31st and will finish at 1.09am on January 1st 2017. An alms giving ceremony will be held at 7.09am to pay tribute to the Royal family and the Kings of Lanna.
Other temples with merit making ceremonies include Wat Phra Singh, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Wat Suan Dok and Wat Chedi Luang.
The Three Kings Monument will be hosting a coundown ceremony titled the Candle Light of Siam. Candles will be lit in tribute to the late King Bhumibol Aduyladej and to the new King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun. There will also be Lanna cultural shows, Royal songs performed by Aom MaiMuang, Aom Rattanung and other Lanna singers.
Police will have a strong presence to keep locals and tourists safe and ensure no alcohol is sold during the events.