Korat: Nakhon Ratchasima commemorated its 557th anniversary with an alms-giving ceremony attended by 10,000 monks. The Minister of Culture presided over the ceremony, drawing tens of thousands of Buddhists who offered rice and dry food to support monks across 323 temples in four southern provinces.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Suda-wan Wangsupakitchkosol, acting as Prime Minister, led the ceremony as a tribute to Buddha and key historical figures like Somdet Phra Borommatrailokanat and Somdet Phra Narai the Great. The event also honored His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great and Thao Suranaree, a celebrated heroine of Korat City. The ceremony saw the participation of Phra Thep Seemaphon, the provincial abbot of Nakhon Ratchasima, along with Phra Ratcha Wachiralangkarn, and Mr. Chaiwat Chuenkosum, the governor of Nakhon Ratchasima Province.
The gathering of Buddhists performed religious rites, including the chanting of Buddhist mantras and the Thaksinanupatana. The alms-giving ceremony aimed not only to support the monks but also to assist teachers and soldiers in disaster-prone southern areas and to provide aid to people in Nakhon Ratchasima affected by various disasters.
Phra Thepsimaphon highlighted the significance of the merit-making tradition, noting that it fosters Buddhist unity and prosperity. He expressed gratitude to all participants, emphasizing the rarity and importance of such large-scale merit-making events.
Phra Ratcha Wachiralangkarn commended the communal effort, stating that the exercise of offering alms to 10,000 monks strengthens Buddhism through collective faith and cooperation.
Ms. Sudawan Wangsupakitchkosol remarked on the enduring tradition of merit-making in Nakhon Ratchasima, underscoring the event’s role in promoting kindness and community spirit. She noted that such activities inspire a sense of hometown pride and gratitude to ancestors who protected the land and Buddhism, serving as a lasting example for future generations.