The Royal Ploughing Ceremony

The Royal Ploughing Ceremony

The Royal Ploughing Ceremony
Friday, 13 May, 2011
Phra Meru Ground (Sanam Luang) Phra Ratchaphithi Phuetchamongkhon Charot Phra Nangkhan Raek Na Khwan or the Cultivating and Ploughing Ceremony, consists of two ceremonies which are Phra Ratchaphithi Phuetchamongkhon or the Cultivating Ceremony and Phra Ratchaphithi Charot Phra Nangkhan Raek Na Khwan or the Ploughing Ceremony. The Cultivating Ceremony, which is a Buddhist ceremony, was initiated during the reign of King Rama IV of the royal house of Chakri. The Ploughing Ceremony is an ancient Bhramanic rite that can be traced back to the Sukhothai Period (more than 700 years ago). The two royal ceremonies are related to each other. They are aimed at bringing about propitiousness to the nation’s crops, boosting farmers’ morale, as well as heralding the start of the rice-growing season. In addition, these ceremonies provide foreigners with an opportunity to appreciate the country’s fine culture and traditions. For more information visit http://www.moac.go.th/ebook/B0001/index.html