Tak Bat Phra Roi Pad Traddition

Tak Bat Phra Roi Pad Traddition is one of the important and unique religious activities of the Buddhist community in Bang Kruai District, Nonthaburi Province. This tradition begins on the 8th waning moon of the 12th lunar month of every year, which is considered the true merit-making day. However, the ceremony starts on the 7th waning moon of the 12th lunar month, which is a preparation before the official merit-making ceremony. This tradition is known as an activity that strengthens community unity and reflects the deep respect for Buddhism in the villagers’ way of life.

 

The significance of the tradition The tradition of offering alms to 108 monks is an opportunity for the community to make a great merit together. The purpose is to bring good fortune to themselves and their families. It also helps to strengthen community unity through religious activities in which all people participate. This merit-making is considered to create a strong relationship between the community and the religious site. The alms offering in this event emphasizes the unity of the people in making merit and provides an opportunity for the villagers to join together to show their faith and to apply the teachings of Buddhism in their daily lives.

 

Rituals and Procedures The day before the merit-making ceremony (7th waning moon of the 12th lunar month) The ritual on the first day of the merit-making ceremony of offering alms to 108 monks begins in the afternoon. Every temple located along the Bang Khon Noi Canal will have a procession of the famous Buddha images of each temple along the canal. For example, Luang Por Akhom from Wat Thai Charoen and Luang Por To from Wat Uthayan. The procession of the Buddha images is beautifully arranged, with accompanying dances to add sacredness and color to the ceremony. This procession is organized to announce to the people in the community about the alms-giving ceremony the following day and to invite the faithful to join the event. The procession of the Buddha images starts at the same time at every temple to show the unity of everyone in the community.

 

Alms-giving day (8th waning moon of the 12th lunar month) On the alms-giving day, the monks start collecting alms from 5:00 a.m. Many people will come to make merit at the Bang Khon Noi Canal. Both sides of the canal are filled with people bringing sweet and savory food to offer to the monks. On that day, most people will travel by boat, and some will invite the monks to board a hired boat or an E-pae boat with 1-3 monks and people rowing the boat to receive alms along the canal.

 

The alms-giving ceremony starts at the same time at every temple, with the monks starting to collect alms from one side of the canal. Then, they will return to the opposite side. At the same time, important Buddha images from each temple will be paraded to receive alms, and people will have the opportunity to apply gold leaf to the Buddha image and donate money according to their faith to support the temple.

 

The merit-making period is between 06.00-07.00 a.m. Villagers will wear Thai costumes or dress up as hermits, bring yellow cloth to wrap around their heads and put bowls over their heads to pretend to be monks who will join in the alms round. This adds to the fun and creates an auspicious atmosphere in the community.

 

Villagers who join this event not only have a role in giving alms and offering food, but also participate in the procession of the Buddha image and their unique attire. Dressing up as hermits or pretending to be monks to join in the alms round shows their fun and respect for Buddhism. Wearing yellow cloth to wrap around their heads and put bowls over their heads to pretend to be monks reflects their strong faith in joining in the merit-making.

 

The tradition of giving alms to the 108 monks of the Bang Kruai community is different and stands out from other alms-giving traditions because it is a central tradition that is connected to the way of life of the people living along the river, making merit on boats, and the procession of famous Buddha images from each temple. This Thai tradition has been passed down and practiced continuously up until the present. However, preserving and continuing this tradition is still something that the community gives importance to so that the next generation can understand and see the value of the local Thai culture that has been passed down from their ancestors.

 

Thai tradition of giving alms to a hundred and eight monks is a tradition that reflects the faith and close relationship between the community and Buddhism. Giving alms in a riverside atmosphere and carrying the famous Buddha images of each temple make this tradition unique and something that the Bang Kruai community is proud of and preserves. Furthermore, this tradition is also a symbol of unity and connection between people in the community.