Phetchabun to host Um Phra Dam Nam Ceremony

To preserve its distinct Buddhist tradition, the northern town of Phetchabun will host the Um Phra Dam Nam Ceremony from tomorrow until Oct 6 to commemorate the New Moon day of the 10th lunar month.
 
According to legend, the ceremony started when a Buddha image was discovered in the Pa Sak River during the Ayutthaya period. Known as Phra Phuttha Maha Dhamma Racha, the seated bronze Buddha image appeared in a whirlpool caused by swirls in the river on an odd day when no one was able to catch any fish and the sky darkened.
It is said to have been created during the reign of King Jayavarman VII of the Khmer Empire. After being housed at Wat Tri Phum, the Buddha image vanished suspiciously on the New Moon of 10th month a year later. When the image was found at its original location in the river, people started having an annual celebration in the hopes of receiving blessings of abundance and the harmony of nature.
This year, Wat Tri Phum will have a worship ritual on Oct 1 and there will be a procession of a statue of Phra Phuttha Maha Dhamma Racha. On the following day, devotees can witness the Phra Phuttha Maha Dhamma Racha procession along the river, and the carrying ceremony at Wat Bot Chana Man, which is situated on the original spot where the image was discovered.
Boat races are also scheduled to take place on Oct 3-4 at the Wat Tri Phum pier. As part of the 10-day festival, there will also be a food market, live concerts, and light and sound shows at the Civic Center Phetchabun and Chalerm Rajkumari Public Library.
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The Tourism Authority of Thailand is organising the “Amazing Thailand Fest 2024 @ Chennai” from tomorrow to Sunday at the Central Atrium, Express Avenue Mall in Chennai, India. The event will offer a variety of activities designed to promote Thailand’s tourism under the concept of “Five Must-Do” experiences in Thailand — Must Taste, Must Try, Must Buy, Must Seek and Must See.
There, visitors can discover more about the historical connections between Thai and Indian textiles, and muay Thai boxing. Film locations will also be shown on a green screen, enabling tourists to snap photos with Thailand’s popular landmarks.
There will be cultural performances that combine Indian dance styles, such as the traditional silk weaving dance and long drum dance with a xylophone performance from the Thai movie The Overture. Meanwhile, the nora and likay hulu dances will merge with Indian Bharatanatyam, and traditional Isan dance will blend with Indian classical dance.
In addition, there will be Thai movie stunt shows from the King Naresuan series by the Jaika Stunt group, along with DIY workshops on creating herbal inhalers and fantasy candles. Popular Thai dishes and beverages are also available at a food fair.
The travel platform Traveloka has collaborated with the Tourism Authority of Thailand to launch the “Amazing Thailand Deals” campaign that highlights breathtaking holiday destinations, unique experiences and hidden gems available during the green season.
Until Sept 30, Traveloka customers from Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam and Singapore can save up to 20% on thousands of hotels around Thailand when booking stays through Oct 31.
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