Honouring scared waters
Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat has invited the public to join a formal ceremony to draw water from a sacred well at Wat Chalong to be used during the royal celebrations to mark the auspicious occasion of His Majesty the King’s 6th Cycle (72 years) Birthday on July 28. Governor Sophon announced the invitation at a press conference at
Phuket Provincial Hall on May 23.
Joining Governor Suwannarat for the announcement were Phuket Vice Governors Sattha Thongkham and Adul Chuthong along with Phuket Provincial Defense Office Chief Akara Suwatthikul; Sophon Thongsai, Head of the Phuket Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office (DDPM-Phuket); Ratchadaphon O-in from the Phuket Tourism and Sports Office; and Lertchai Wangtrakuldee, Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Phuket Office.
Also present were Tasaneeya
Srirattanapraphan, Deputy Director of the Election Commission of Thailand Phuket office (ECT Phuket); Rangsan Phonsamak, Dean of the Faculty of Science at Phuket Rajabhat University; and Suthipong Suwandechakul, Assistant Manager of the Provincial Waterworks Authority Phuket branch (PWA Phuket).
Governor Suwannarat detailed the preparations for the holy Buddhist water ceremony, which will include several key events:
July 4, at 2:49pm: A water-drawing ceremony at the sacred well of Wat Chaiyathararam (Wat Chalong)
July 7, at 5:09pm: A ceremony to consecrate the holy water at Wat Phra Thong in Thepkrasattri
July 8, at 12pm: A candle procession ceremony to celebrate the holy water at Wat Phra Thong in Thepkrasattri
The sacred well at Wat Chalong has a long history of spiritual significance, said an official report of the announcement. Built by Phra Khru Wisutthiwongsachan Yanmuni (Luang Por Chaem), the second abbot to serve at the revered temple, it features a square rock pond with clear, clean water that naturally bubbles up.
Locals believe the water possesses healing properties and brings good fortune. It has been used in significant ceremonies, such as the holy water ceremony for His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s 7th Cycle Birthday Anniversary in 2011 and the Royal Coronation Ceremony of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn in 2019.
“Governor Suwannarat invites all sectors, including state enterprises, local government organisations, and the general public, to participate in these sacred ceremonies,” said the announcement
“This is a unique opportunity to honour His Majesty the King and celebrate a significant milestone in Thai history,” the announcement added.
ROYAL ORDINATION
Governor Sophon last week also presided over a meeting at Phuket Provincial Hall to prepare for the royal celebrations of His Majesty the King’s 72nd birthday on July 28.
Among the key participants were Phra Kru Phromprapassorn, Deputy Chief Monk of Phuket, Phra Maha Taweesak Nanthammo, Chief Monk of
Kathu District, Phra Kru Wisut Kittiyaporn, Chief Monk of Mueang Phuket District, Phuket Vice Governor Sattha Thongkham and Mrs Bussadee Suwannarat, Governor Sophon’s wife and President of the Phuket Red Cross.
During the meeting, it was announced that the Ministry of Interior had highlighted the significance of the King’s upcoming birthday, marking six cycles (72 years) on July 28, 2024. The government intends to hold a series of celebratory events, including a royal ordination project, in honor of the auspicious occasion.
The first committee meeting took place on Nov 23 last year, at the Government House, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Somsak Thepsuthin, said an official report of the meeting yesterday.
The committee agreed to hold formal celebration activities from July 14 to Aug 3, 2024. Participants will include government officials, private sector employees, and the public. Each province, including Bangkok, will have 73 participants, with ceremonies held at designated temples.
In Phuket, the ordination ceremonies will take place at Thep Wanaram Temple (Wat Manik). The schedule includes pre-ordination rehearsals on July 12, hair shaving on July 13, the ordination ceremony on July 14, daily almsgiving or chanting from July 15 to Aug 3, and the monks’ return to lay life on Aug 3.
The Phuket Provincial Office encourages all sectors, including state enterprises, local government organisations and the general public to support the project, said teh official report.
Each ordination requires a sponsorship of B3,000 to cover necessary expenses, such as robes, food and drinks for the monks throughout the 21-day period. Contributions can be made to the Phuket Provincial Office’s Finance and Accounting Division through the designated Krung Thai Bank account (Account No. 8056-01545-0). For more information, contact 076-224822 or 076-211102.
“Phuket calls upon all to join in this revered celebration and support the ordination project, contributing to a momentous event that honours His Majesty the King’s significant milestone,” said the report.