PARTICIPATING in a traditional merit-making ceremony performed for hundreds of years were some villagers in Phang Nga who put out a special boat to sea to ward off bad luck and welcome the New Year, Naewna newspaper said last evening (Jan. 1).
Presiding over the ceremony at Bang Sak beach, Bang Muang subdistrict, Takua Pa district, was Mr. Supharit Ketthasurin, this district’s deputy chief, with Mr. Aniwat Chairatthanuchok, acting mayor of this subdistrict, Mr. Prachachom Thanngam, Moo 8 village head, Mrs. Jongrak Hosakul, Moo 7 village head and many villagers joining in.
This long-standing ceremony performed every New Year’s Day is based on a belief that launching this special boat will ward off evil and misfortune from oneself and the village, bringing peace and tranquility.
Monks too participated in the ceremony with Phra Ajarn Khajorn Aphinantho, the abbot of Bohinrae Monastery and three others chanting prayers to ward off evil from the village. They placed rice, dried food, flowers, incense sticks, candles, finger nail clippings, some hair and pieces of clothing in the boat before putting it to the sea from this beach.
Villagers participating in the procession threw rice into the boat before it sailed away.
Every year natives of this village working in other provinces return home to join their families in participating in this event, demonstrating their commitment to preserving this traditional custom and passing it on to future generations.
After the launch, the organizers set off firecrackers, revealing the numbers 35 and 112 which the villagers will use to try their luck in the lottery.
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A special boat sails off taking away bad luck on New Year’s Day. Photos – Naewna
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