Merit-Making for the 68th Birthday of Phra Samut Wachirasophon Vi. and the Celebration of His Ecclesiastical Rank, Royal Patent and Ceremonial Fan, B.E. 2567
Date
1 August 2024
A photo record of the merit-making for the 68th birthday of Phra Samut Wachirasophon Vi. (Luang Pho Itthi Bhaddacaro) of Wat Chulamanee, together with the celebration of his ecclesiastical rank, royal patent and ceremonial fan — Thursday 1 August B.E. 2567 (2024).
The merit-making for the 68th birthday, and the celebration of the ecclesiastical rank, royal patent and ceremonial fan, of Phra Samut Wachirasophon Vi. (Luang Pho Itthi Bhaddacaro), Ecclesiastical District Governor of Amphawa and abbot of Wat Chulamanee, was held on Thursday 1 August B.E. 2567 (2024) at Wat Chulamanee, as stated on the backdrop of the event. The commemorative fan made for the occasion also marks a further anniversary: “sixty years at the temple, B.E. 2507–2567”.
This set records the day from the morning propitiation rite, at which a brahmin recited the invocation; the offering of congratulations at the dais before the event backdrop, where the royal patent and ceremonial fan were displayed on gilded stands; the release of fish, joined by many monks and officials in formal white uniform; the alms kitchens open across the grounds; and the line of well-wishers that continued through the afternoon, with visiting senior monks carrying the red commemorative fans bearing a Khom-script yantra and an image of Tao Wessuwan at the base.
Grants were presented during the event, as shown on the display boards: a grant of 515,000 baht towards the renovation of the student dormitory of Lopburi College of Dramatic Arts, and an educational grant to the Pali school of Wat Molilokayaram. The evening programme included the chanting of blessings, a Thai string ensemble and a khon masked dance performance on stage.