Auspicious start to 2008

Bangkok's landmark Phu Khao Thong (or Golden Mount) at Wat Srakesa will offer a nostalgic temple fair on New Year's Eve, offering a fun-filled and auspicious way to start the dawn of 2008.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is organising the celebration. A highlight will be a procession of Buddhist relics around the temple at 7.30pm.

Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayodhin will lead the procession, which will include VIP guests and the general public. At 8.29pm, the relics will be presented on the Golden Mount.

2008 will mark the 109th anniversary of the Buddhist relics at Wat Srakesa, which were brought from India during the reign of King Rama V.

Dating back to the Ayutthaya Kingdom, the temple was renovated during the reign of King Rama I and Chedi Phu Khao Thong was added by King Rama III and considered the highest structure built by Thais at that time.

To the general public, Chedi Phu Khao Thong was the place for the most entertaining temple fairs before modern venues and Western culture arrived in the Kingdom.

For Buddhists, the celebration will be a very auspicious way to start their first day of 2008. Somdej Phraphutthajarn will lead the Buddhism ceremony and prayers. There will also be prayers to offer a blessing to HM the King Bhumibol Adulyadej and HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana.

At 10.49pm, senior monks will lead Buddhists to meditate at the temple.

The event, combining Thai culture with Buddhism, starts at 4pm and will run until midnight. Upon arrival, fair-goers are encouraged to spend time paying respects at all the significant places around the temple.

Alternatively, they can stroll around the temple grounds and enjoy the nostalgic-themed shops as plenty of good food and products from Pom Prab (Sattru Phai) district will be available.

Students from Wat Srakesa School will also join the ceremony and offers various activities. Another cultural highlight is the lantern contest among 50 BMA schools.

The Nation