Let's “Tak Bat Dok Mai”

“Tak Bat Dok Mai” is to make a merit by offering a special flower to the monks. This ceremony is unique to Phraputtabat district, Saraburi provice which is my hometown. A special flower is called “Dok Khao Phansa” which blooms only in my hometown during the Buddhist Lent period. "Tak Bat Dok Mai" is held at “Wat Phra Buddhabat Ratcha Voramahaviharn”, the temple where there is a shrine of the Buddha Footprint, located in my hometown.

In the morning of the first day of the Buddhist Lent, people engage in merit-making activities by offerings foods to the monks. Then in the late morning, people offer “Dok Khao Phansa” flower to the monks and wash their feet before they climb up to the shrine of the Buddha Footprint. In the afternoon, there is a parade of Royal Candle which the King Bhumibhol offers to “Wat Phra Buddhabat Ratcha Voramahaviharn”. Apart from the parade of the royal candle, there is a parade of floral and candle decorated car and “Tak Bat Dok Mai” beauty queen competition (once I got a winner prize.) and many of merry activities.

If you still don’t have a plan on this Buddhist Lent long holiday, please visit my hometown and make a merit in “Tak Bat Dok Mai” ceremony. For this year, it is held on July 6-8 for more information and ceremony schedule please visit : http://www.paiduaykan.com/76_province/central/saraburi/flower.html

Umm-Wanwisa
(Khun Mae Nong Bonus)