Culture
Wat Wang Ri Bun Loet Hosts Rare Sacred Umbrella Raising Ceremony
Wat Wang Ri Bun Loet in Nakhon Si Thammarat recently held a historic ceremony to install a sacred umbrella over its principal Buddha statue.
On September 19, 2026, Wat Wang Ri Bun Loet in the Dusit sub-district of Tham Phannara, Nakhon Si Thammarat, conducted a significant religious ceremony to raise a 'Chat Mongkol' (sacred umbrella) over the head of the temple's principal Buddha image. According to Khaosod Online, the event was presided over by the temple abbot, Phra Khru Prachak Thammathiwathi, alongside local government officials, including the district chief of Tham Phannara.
The ceremony featured a blend of Brahmin rituals to honor deities and traditional Buddhist chanting performed by five senior monks. Attendees were also treated to a performance of the 'Krisdada Aphinihan' dance by students from the local temple school.
For residents and visitors, this event is notable because, according to temple tradition, the installation of a sacred umbrella over a principal Buddha image is a rare occurrence that can only be performed once in the history of a temple. The ritual is believed by devotees to bring protection and peace to families. While the ceremony has concluded, those interested in the temple's ongoing Kathin festival activities or future religious schedules should contact the temple directly for further information, as specific dates for subsequent events were not detailed in the initial report.
