071 THAILAND - Royal Barge Procession

Thailand's Royal Barge Procession is a ceremony of both religious and royal significance which has been taking place for nearly 700 years. The exquisitely crafted Royal Barges are a blend of craftsmanship and traditional Thai art. The Royal Barge Procession takes place rarely, typically coinciding with only the most significant cultural and religious events. During the reign of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, spanning over 60 years, the Procession has only occurred 16 times. The Royal Barge Procession, in the present, consists of 52 barges: 51 historical Barges, and the Royal Barge, the Narai Song Suban, which King Rama IX built in 1994. It is the only Barge built during King Bhumibol's reign. These barges are manned by 2,082 oarsmen. The Procession proceeds down the Chao Phraya River, from the Wasukri Royal Landing Place in Khet Dusit, Bangkok, passes the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the Grand Palace, Wat Po (Thai: วัดโพธิ์), and finally arrives at Wat Arun (Thai: วัดอรุณ, Temple of the Dawn). Thailand's Royal Barge Procession most likely began during the Ayutthaya period in the 14th century. Western visitors witnessed and wrote about the "immense procession with 200 boats" upon their arrival in Thailand in the 18th century. During the processions, the oarsmen were kept in rhythm by the beating of drums, with accompanying music. This traditional boat song was written by Prince Dhamma Dibes of the late Ayutthaya period.

In 1767, Burma invaded Thailand, and amid the destruction, hundreds of the barges were burned and destroyed. General Taksin rallied the Thais and established the new capital at Thonburi. During his short 15 year reign, Taksin ordered the reconstruction of the barge fleet, and used a fleet of 115 barges to carry a revered figure of Buddha to his new capital. Chao Phaya Chakri succeeded King Taksin, and moved the capital to the eastern side of the river to what is now known as Bangkok. Chao Phaya Chakri, founder of the Chakri Dynasty, ruled as King Buddha Yodfah (Rama I) and began the Royal Kathin Ceremony Procession. The Kathin Ceremony is a presentation of Kathin robes and earns merit by honouring and supporting the Buddhist Monks. Soon after his accession to the throne in 1782, King Rama I ordered construction of the Royal Barge Si Suphannahong. The Si Suphannahong was the principle Royal Barge for more than a century. In 1911 King Rama VI launched its successor, also named Suphannahong. The Prince of Nakhon Sawan, during the reign of Rama V, regulated the formations, which became the standard "Major" and "Minor" formations used today. Processions took place occasionally until the absolute monarchy ended in 1932. They were not resumed until the celebration of the 25th century of the Buddhist Era in 1957. In 1959, Bhumibol Adulyadej revived the Royal Barge Procession to present the Royal Kathin.

About the sender

Usanee Chanthong (direct swap) sent from Nakhon Pathom (Thailand) on 29.10.2013