Thailand: Sacred Buddha Procession During Songkran Festival in Chiang Mai
GNO - Songkran is the largest traditional New Year festival of the year in the Land of Yellow Robes. On this occasion, in Chiang Mai, the largest ancient city in Northern Thailand, the Buddha statue procession from Wat Phra Singh Woramahawihan is considered a long-standing and sacred tradition among local residents.
Songkran is the largest traditional New Year celebration of the year for the people of Thailand in particular, as well as for several Buddhist countries in Southeast Asia in general, such as Cambodia, Laos, etc., under different names in each locality. On this day, people usually pour into the streets to celebrate, dance, and splash water to pray for peace and favorable weather.
With the deep influence of Buddhism in local culture, one of the special traditions associated with this festival is the sacred procession and bathing of the Buddha statue.
Specifically in Chiang Mai, this tradition is regarded as the cornerstone of the Songkran festival season, preserved and organized with great solemnity, fully reflecting the culture of the land that was once the ancient capital of Lanna—an ancient kingdom in Thai history.
The statue of Shakyamuni Buddha venerated at Wat Phra Singh Woramahawihan, the most revered ancient temple in Chiang Mai
This year, the Buddha procession in Chiang Mai was held on March 13 (solar calendar). The procession began with chanting prayers by the Sangha at Wat Phra Singh Woramahawihan, the most important ancient temple in Chiang Mai. This is the repository of the statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, also known as the Phra Singh Buddha statue. In Thai, Phra Singh means Lion. To the people of Chiang Mai, this is a highly revered treasure deeply tied to the history and culture of the local community.
Following the chanting session, the statue of Shakyamuni Buddha was conveyed onto splendidly gilded chariots under the escort of the Sangha. The grand procession, featuring ceremonial paraphernalia, traditional attire, and blessing dancers leading the way, traversed the streets of the old city of Chiang Mai. Devotees waited along the streets where the procession passed, holding scented water and flower garlands to sprinkle upon the sacred image of the World-Honored One as the chariot approached. After a multi-hour procession, the Phra Singh Buddha statue was brought back to the main shrine hall of Wat Phra Singh Woramahawihan.
Every year, the Phra Singh Buddha procession attracts tens of thousands of participants from all around, serving as the central event of the Songkran cultural festival in Chiang Mai.
The grand Buddha procession adorned in ceremonial regalia and traditional attire
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The sacred image of Shakyamuni Buddha begins its procession out of Wat Phra Singh Woramahawihan |
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Flower garlands and scented water sprinkled upon the sacred image of the Buddha |
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After being escorted out of the main hall, the sacred image of the Buddha is placed onto a splendid royal chariot pulled by hundreds of people through the streets |
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The presence of the Sangha during the procession |
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Dancers performing traditional Lanna dances leading the procession |
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Thousands gathered along the streets waiting for the procession to pass - Photo: Chiang Mai Post |
