Opening Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

 

Period: The "Making Merit by Offering Alms to 108 Monks" tradition begins on the waning 8th day of the 12th lunar month, which is considered the actual day of merit-making. However, the festivities start on the waning 7th day of the same month, with ceremonies commencing in the afternoon.

 

Significance: The tradition of offering alms to 108 monks is a long-standing custom in Bang Kruai and Bang Yai districts. It is held at several temples along the Bangkok Noi Canal, such as Wat Thai Charoen, Wat Bang Krai Nok, Wat Uthayan, Wat Bot, and Wat Bang Krai Nai. This tradition provides an opportunity for the community to engage in Buddhist activities, make merit for prosperity, and foster unity and harmony among the locals.

 

Rituals: The ceremonies begin on the afternoon of the waning 7th day of the 12th lunar month. Each temple along the river organizes a procession of its revered Buddha statue, such as Luang Pho Akhom from Wat Thai Charoen and Luang Pho To from Wat Uthayan. These statues are paraded along the canal in beautifully decorated boats. The purpose of this procession is to announce the upcoming alms-offering ceremony and invite people to participate in the merit-making event the following day. All temples conduct their processions simultaneously.

 

On the waning 8th day of the 12th lunar month, the main merit-making day, the ceremonies start at 5:00 AM. Crowds gather along both banks of the canal, with many arriving by boat, carrying an assortment of savory and sweet dishes. Locals invite monks to board small boats, with each boat accommodating one to three monks and several rowers, to receive offerings from the people.

 

The alms-giving starts simultaneously at all temples. The monks collect alms while traveling along one side of the canal before returning to the other side. Each temple's Buddha statue is beautifully adorned and taken along the route to receive offerings. Devotees also have the opportunity to apply gold leaf to the statues and make donations based on their faith, which helps support the temples.

 

The peak time for merit-making is between 6:00 AM and 7:00 AM. During the event, some villagers dress as hermits or wrap themselves in saffron robes, symbolically acting as monks while participating in the alms collection.

 

This tradition reflects the community’s deep faith in Buddhism and serves as an offering to honor the Buddha. It also reinforces the unity and camaraderie among the villagers.