Resurrecting a century-old religious ceremony

 | Mon 5 Apr 2021 13:35 ICT

The abbot of Wat Buppharam along with Deputy Governor Samroeng Chaisaen held a religious ceremony earlier this morning at 9.19am, inviting holy water from the temple’s well to be used in a rare and ancient Lanna ceremony – Hoong Nam Thip Pee Mai Muang.

The last time this ceremony was held was 100 years ago. This year the blessed holy water will be used to sprinkle on 9,725 locals and tourists on the occasion of the new year as well as the celebration of Chiang Mai’s 725th anniversary between the 11th and 13th April. This ceremony aims to attract tourists as it is a rare cultural and religious event. The first of the three ceremonies was held today at Wat Buppharam, the next will be held tomorrow at a holy well on Doi Inthanon at 10.19am and the third will be held at a holy well at Khun Nam Ping and simultaneously at Pha Daeng National Park in Chiang Dao on the 7th April at 10.19am.

On the 9th April, the holy water will then be taken to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep where 9,725 bottles of the holy water will be handed out to the public to be used in celebration over the Songkran period at Wat Phra Singh, Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Wat Buppharam and the Three Kings Monument.