Uthai thani: A grand alms-giving ceremony in Uthai Thani Province saw 500 monks descend from Wat Sangkasattanakiri on top of Sakae Krang Mountain. Minister Sabida revealed the aim was to promote the nation's beautiful cultural traditions and create economic value.
According to Thai News Agency, the Ministry of Culture, along with the Department of Religious Affairs, collaborated with the Uthai Thani Provincial Cultural Office and the Uthai Thani Municipality to organize the annual Tak Bat Devo Festival in Uthai Thani Province from October 7-8, 2025. Ms. Sabida Thaiset, Minister of Culture, presided over the ceremony. The event was attended by notable figures including Mr. Chada Thaiset, Member of Parliament for Uthai Thani Province, Constituency 2, Ms. Panadja Thaiset, Mayor of Uthai Thani, and Mr. Chaipol Suk-iam, Director-General of the Department of Religious Affairs. The festival featured traditional activities such as almsgiving, distribution of dried food, and rice porridge at Wat Sangkasattanakiri in Mueang District.
Uthai Thani Province consistently hosts the grand and distinctive Tak Bat Devo tradition at Wat Sangkasrattanakiri, a temple located atop Sakae Krang Mountain. The 443-step staircase adds to the sacred and distinctive nature of the ceremony, both religiously and visually. It is associated with the legend of Lord Buddha's descent from Tavatimsa Heaven after his Rains Retreat to bless his mother. At Wat Sangkasrattanakiri, 500 monks descended to receive alms from the gathered Uthai Thani residents and tourists.
The event also included a grand opening ceremony for a light and sound show in the form of a musical, "Thevo Rohana Buddha Katanyu," which narrates the life of Uthai Thani residents in alignment with the life of Buddha. This artistic presentation aimed to preserve cultural traditions and boost tourism in Uthai Thani Province.
Minister Sabida emphasized the government's commitment, through the Ministry of Culture, to preserve Buddhism and all recognized religions to instill morality and ethics. This policy aims to foster a peaceful Thai society while promoting cultural conservation and restoration. The government seeks to enhance the cultural economy by developing religious-based cultural products and services, thus generating income and improving the quality of life for residents.
Minister Sabida highlighted the Tak Bat Devo tradition as a unique event capable of generating economic value and community income. He encouraged future participation in the festival and praised Uthai Thani Province for its many unseen attractions. The annual ceremony draws tourists throughout the year, solidifying Uthai Thani as a favored destination.
This year's Tak Bat Devo ceremony was notably lively, with locals and tourists participating in merit-making and enjoying the sound and light show. Minister Sabida was warmly received by residents, with many seeking photographs, creating a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.