Kanchanaburi: On Buddhist holy days, the practice of alms giving at the Mon Bridge sees large crowds as the Department of Religious Affairs leads Buddhists to temples to practice Dhamma. The initiative, titled ‘Faithfulness, Merit Support, Supporting the Community, Offering Alms to Mon Bridge,’ aims to promote local wisdom and integrate Buddhist principles into daily life.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, the Minister of Culture, delegated Ms. Ploy Thanikul, the Assistant Minister to the Minister of Culture, to preside over the event. The gathering, held at Wat Wang Wiwekaram and the Uttamanusorn Wooden Bridge Market in Sangkhla Buri District, Kanchanaburi Province, featured prominent figures such as Phra Thep Pariyatti Sophon, the provincial ecclesiastical leader, Mr. Chaipol Suk-iam, Director-General of the Department of Religious Affairs, and Mr. Samruay Nakkrian, Inspector-General of the Ministry of Culture. The event also saw participation from representatives of government agencies, the public and private sectors, and the people of Kanchanaburi Province.
Ms. Ploy Thanikul highlighted that the Department of Religious Affairs, in collaboration with Wat Wang Wiwekaram, organized the project to foster economic growth within the community while promoting local wisdom and cultural capital. This initiative provides Buddhists with opportunities to engage in merit-making activities, such as offering alms, observing the precepts, and meditating.
The event at Wat Wang Wiwekaram and Saphan Mai Uttamanusorn Market featured musical performances by the Mon community, alms offerings at the Mon Bridge, and support for local community products. Activities included performing arts, cultural demonstrations, and Dhamma practice at the temple, encouraging participation from the community and surrounding areas.
Participants in the community can avail themselves of homestays offering accommodation and food, as well as rentals of local costumes and alms-giving sets. Monks from Wat Wang Wiwekaram collect alms along the path at the Uttamanusorn Wooden Bridge Market. After the alms-giving ceremony, attendees can explore the Uttamanusorn Wooden Bridge, the longest wooden bridge in Thailand, and purchase local products. The event concludes with a Buddhist chanting ceremony, a sermon at Wat Wang Wiwekaram, and homage to the Buddha Gaya Pagoda, a replica of the Mahabodhi Pagoda in India.