Officials Train Staff for Royal Candle Offering Ceremony
Officials are training staff to conduct the royal candle presentation ceremony during Asahna Bucha Day on July 29, where the King will present candles to 350 monks at Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram in Bangkok.
The Department of Religious Affairs, Ministry of Culture, has organized a training session for staff conducting the royal ceremony in which the King presents candles to monks during Asahna Bucha Day in fiscal year 2569. Department Director Chaipon Sukeiam opened the training at the Film and Video Consideration Office conference room, attended by executives and participating officials.
Chaipon stated that the royal candle presentation ceremony on Asahna Bucha is an important ritual where the King graciously invites 350 senior monks, newly ordained monks, and senior novices from temples throughout Bangkok and the provinces to receive royal candles at Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram. The ceremony in 2569 will be held on July 29, 2569.
To ensure the ceremony proceeds with proper order, grace, and dignity, the Department of Religious Affairs is training staff to build knowledge and understanding of the royal ritual, religious ceremonies, and correct procedures according to royal tradition. Trained staff will be responsible for assisting participating monks, facilitating their seating and movement, and carefully distributing the royal candles they receive. These tasks require precision, accuracy, and seamless coordination, necessitating intensive training and rehearsal to ensure all procedures proceed flawlessly and with appropriate reverence.
On Asahna Bucha and the beginning of the Buddhist Lent, the King and Queen will proceed to Wat Phra Sri Rattana Satsadaram. Before entering the ordination hall, student winners of the 2569 chanting competition will be stationed in 12 pavilions surrounding the temple to chant traditional verses welcoming and honoring the royal procession, preserving Thailand's valuable cultural heritage.
Additionally, Department of Religious Affairs officials appointed as chanters of the Maha Chat (Great Life) scripture will participate in the chanting within the ordination hall while the King presents candles to 350 monks, reflecting the nation's commitment to maintaining beautiful customs and all sectors' dedicated support for this important royal ceremony.
