Fresh from the Temple – Wat Arun Welcomes Luang Pho Chaeng for Songkran Water Blessing Ceremony
Wat Arun enshrined a replica of Luang Pho Chaeng during Songkran water blessing ceremonies in April 2026, allowing monks and devotees to seek blessings while celebrating Thai New Year traditions. The temple opened the sacred rituals to the
On Monday, April 13, 2026, Phra Phrom Vajramedhi (Somkiat Kovit), a member of the Maha Thersamakhom Council, advisor to the 9th Regional Ecclesiastical Authority, and abbot of Wat Arun Rajwararama, presided over the ceremony to enshrine a replica of Luang Pho Chaeng on the grounds before the Buddha Prangan at Wat Arun Rajwararama in Bangkok's Bang Kho district.
The ceremony included lighting incense and candles to honor Luang Pho Chaeng, followed by traditional water blessing rituals. Dhamma teachers performed worship ceremonies accompanied by classical Lao Million Elephants musical ensemble playing sacred music, reflecting the deep cultural and historical bonds between the two nations.
The replica Luang Pho Chaeng was then placed on a ceremonial palanquin decorated with elegant Lao Million Elephants ornaments and carried in procession to its installation site, allowing monks and Buddhist devotees to participate in the water blessing ceremony and seek blessings for auspiciousness during the Thai New Year celebration.
This ceremony represented a continuation of beautiful Thai traditions during Songkran, the ancient Thai New Year celebration signifying the purification of body, speech, and mind, while expressing gratitude to past Thai monarchs and revered ancestors.
Wat Arun opened the ceremony to the general public and tourists wishing to participate in the water blessing of the Prangan Buddha, an important relic of Bangkok, seeking blessings for their lives while promoting cultural tourism and Buddhist heritage education.
On Wednesday, April 15, 2026, Phra Phrom Vajramedhi, along with Phra Phrom Senabodhee (Pim Yanaveero), a member of the Maha Thersamakhom Council and advisor to the 7th Regional Ecclesiastical Authority, and Phra Phrom Vajravimolmuni V. (Bounchit Yanasangvoro), a member of the Maha Thersamakhom Council and abbot of Wat Mahathat Yuvaraj Rangsridtee, presided over the ceremony to return the replica Luang Pho Chaeng to its shrine at Wat Arun, with many Buddhist devotees participating.
The atmosphere was filled with auspiciousness as Songkran Festival drew to a close and Thailand's new year commenced. The presiding clergy lit incense and candles to honor Luang Pho Chaeng, presenting elegant and valuable offerings in the traditional Lao Million Elephants manner. Musicians performed harmonious traditional melodies while dancers performed graceful movements as Buddhist offerings.
Following the water blessing of the replica and the presentation of robes, Luang Pho Chaeng was placed upon a ceremonial palanquin in a grand Lao Million Elephants procession, returning to the viharn accompanied by the resonant sounds of traditional musical instruments throughout the journey, symbolizing peace and prosperity. Upon arrival at the temple, all monks chanted auspicious blessings.
This ceremony marked the complete closing of Songkran Festival at Wat Arun Rajwararama while preserving beautiful Thai and Buddhist traditions for future generations. It brought auspiciousness to the nation and all Buddhist devotees, allowing them to welcome the Thai New Year with happiness, prosperity, and renewed faith in the Triple Gem.
