Majesty on the River of Kings
November 1, 2024 – by admin01- leave a comment
មេឃា:
This Sunday, the best seat in Thailand is along the banks of the Chao Phraya River, as Bangkok showcases one of the country’s most majestic traditions – the Royal Barge Procession, held as part of the Royal Kathin Robe Offering Ceremony.
This grand spectacle, set against the backdrop of the Chao Phraya River, will stretch from the Rama VIII Bridge to the iconic Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), marking the auspicious occasion of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s 72nd birthday.
The Royal Barge Procession started during the Sukhothai era, during which, on their official occasions of display, royal barges were in place both for ceremonial occasions and the private use of the king.
This tradition has taken a leap forward through the centuries to the present time, bringing the whole of Thailand’s cultural heritage onto the water.
Cultural prosperity during the reign of King Narai the Great in the Ayutthaya period was showcased when the monarch ordered the grand “Krabuan Phayuhayattra Phetphuang” procession when he travelled to each provincial city.
This was the most magnificent and formal royal procession in history and became the model for later royal processions.
King Narai also ordered a procession of royal barges to escort Jesuit Father Guy Tachard, a missionary, to welcome the French diplomatic delegation and escort the royal letter of King Louis XIV from Ayutthaya to Lopburi.
