Uttaradit: One of the unique traditions of Lablae District in Uttaradit Province is the ceremonial stirring of jujubes and hanging of alms bowls to worship the stone throne of the Buddha. This event, rooted in a history over 200 years old, was recently celebrated at Wat Phra Tan Sila At, a royal temple in the area.
According to Thai News Agency, the large jujube tree at Wat Phra Tan Sila At stands about 10 meters tall and has been part of the temple's landscape for centuries. It is believed to be a descendant of the jujube tree on which the Lord Buddha instructed Phra Anan to hang his alms bowl. This historical significance is commemorated annually in a ceremony that draws participants and onlookers from across the region.
Mr. Siriwat Bupphacharoen, the Governor of Uttaradit, led the ritual, which also saw participation from Phra Winai Sathorn, the Abbot of Wat Phra Thaen Sila Asan. The event was organized by the Uttaradit Provincial Cultural Office and included the stirring of longan hanging alms bowls and chanting by nine monks. The ingredients, including sugarcane juice, Baesae, and ground longan, were mixed in large pans over traditional cooking setups. The resulting mixture was offered to the stone throne, and the remainder was distributed to attendees as a form of divine food believed to bring good fortune.
This ceremony is likened to the ancient practice of stirring Khao Thib or Khao Madhupayasa, highlighting its cultural and religious significance. Participants continue to collect fallen jujubes from the tree, using them as tokens of good luck, a practice handed down through generations.
In addition to the ritual, ancient preserved longans from the local provinces of Laplae and Sukhothai were available for purchase. The event, which offers a glimpse into the region's rich heritage, is set to continue until February 12, 2025.