Thousands Flock to Water Blessing Ceremony of Revered Abbot 'Luang Pho Pae,' Robes Tossed to Disciples in Scramble for Blessings, Lucky Money Distributed as Devotees Await Lottery Numbers
Nearly 1,000 devotees gathered at Wat Suang Arom in Nakhon Pathom Province on April 27 for revered abbot Luang Pho Pae's annual water blessing ceremony, where he tossed his robes to the crowd as sacred blessings during the chaotic scramble.
On the afternoon of April 27, 2025, at Wat Suang Arom in Nakhon Pathom Province, Phra Kru Yuttithammanuyut, known as Luang Pho Pae, a highly revered abbot, conducted the temple's annual water blessing ceremony on the final day of Songkran 2025. The abbot held an elaborate celebration marking the end of the Thai New Year festival, drawing devotees and disciples from numerous provinces. The temple provided over ten free food stations staffed by disciples throughout the day.
Ceremonies began in the morning with traditional rituals including candle water offerings and mystical inscriptions to bring good fortune to worshippers during Thai New Year. After noon, Luang Pho Pae presided over the formal monks' water blessing, inviting 108 monks from neighboring temples. Over 100 elderly devotees aged 70 and above received blessings and gifts of large water containers and rice from the abbot to conclude the Songkran festival.
Following the formal ceremony, Luang Pho Pae opened the water blessing to the public, allowing nearly 1,000 devotees to participate. When the abbot stood on a platform for personal water blessings, many devotees requested his robes as blessed objects. Fearing they might forcefully take them, Luang Pho Pae removed his robes and tossed them to the crowd, resulting in a chaotic scene as hundreds of people swarmed to tear the fabric into pieces to take home as sacred blessings.
In the afternoon, an ancient ritual called 'bridge of merit' was performed, where hundreds of devotees lay face-down in rows covered with cloth to serve as a bridge, allowing Luang Pho Pae to walk across their backs while holding a staff to dispel illness and misfortune. The red cloth used during this ritual was later taken home by devotees for worship.
In the evening, a grand Phanom Yak chanting ceremony was held to ward off dangers and welcome good fortune for the new year. Luang Pho Pae regularly performs this protective ritual on the final day of Songkran each year. The ceremony attracted over 1,000 devotees, with additional seating required to accommodate the crowds. Distinguished abbots and monks from other temples, including a revered hermit monk from Ayutthaya Province, participated in the ceremonies.
Devotion seekers and lottery enthusiasts who attended the Songkran closing ceremony remain hopeful for their lucky numbers.
