Statues of Lord Buddha in the circular hall below the Phra Maha Thammaracha Chalermprakiat statue of Wat Trai Phum in Petchabun in Thailand

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Wat Trai Phum on Phetcharat Road (the main road out of Petchabun to the North) features an impressive Buddha statue called Phra Buddha Mahadhamaracha which is cast in the ornamental Lopburi-style. The ritual bathing of the Buddha image or the traditional Um Phra Dam Nam ceremony is held during September each year. Phra Buddha Maha Thammaracha is revered ancient Buddha image of Phetchabun Province. This event is annually held on the fifteenth day of the waning moon in the 10th lunar month of during Sat Thai Period at Trai Phum Temple. The image is carried around the town, so Buddhists can pay respect to it and stick gold leaf on its body. The next morning, people make merit as it is Sat Thai Day. Food and other necessities are given to monks. The Buddha image is then taken to be immersed in the Pah Sak River by the governor of Phetchabun. After the ceremony, the water in the river is regarded as sacred and people swim in it or drink it before the boat racing begins.

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Size: 5400px × 3600px
Location: Petchabun, Thailand
Photo credit: © Robert Kennett / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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