Buddhists in Thailand are invited to join in prayer on New Year’s Eve at temples and various other locations across the country.
It is a tradition that, on New Year’s Eve, Thai Buddhists gather at temples to pray and meditate together and listen to sermons from monks about living a good life.
In Bangkok and suburbs, prayers will be held at 58 temples, at Sanam Luang, in front of City Hall, Suan Moke and Buddha Monthon in Nakhon Pathom. The temples include Wat Yan Nawa, Wat Phasi, Wat Thepleela, Wat Thung Lanna, Wat Sraket, Wat Promwongsaram, Wat Phra Sri Mahatat, Wat Chana Songkram, Wat Traimitr, Wat Bang Toei, Wat Udom-rangsi, Wat Rama IX, Wat Dhepsirin, Wat Thammamongkol, Wat Soi Thong, Wat Ratchabopit, Wat Singkhorn, Wat Paknam, Wat Klong Toei Nai, Wat Don Muang and Wat Nong Cho.
On this auspicious occasion, the Supreme Patriarch will present lanterns to all provincial governors and provincial chief monks for the prayer ceremonies.
The prayers at Sanam Luang will be preceded by cultural activities and shows, organized by the Ministry of Culture, which start on December 30th with a ceremonial procession to bring the relics of the Lord Buddha from the Grand Palace to Sanam Luang to be worshipped by Buddhists. Cultural activities and shows are planned at Sanam Luang on December 31st from 6pm to 8pm.
For Christians, seasonal services will be held at various churches in Bangkok and around the country today (Christmas Eve) and tomorrow (Christmas Day). Timings of those services can be found on the relevant church’s website.
