Ritual Bathing of Lord Buddha’s Relics (Udon Thani)

Every year during Makha Bucha Day a Ritual Bathing of Lord Buddha’s Relics ceremony ba is held in the Udon Thani province  in Isan (North-East of Thailand).

Wat Pa Ban Kho is home to a pagoda believed to enshrine relics of Lord Buddha, named Phra Maha That Chedi Chaloem Barami Phra Nawamin. Inside the pagoda (also known as a stupa), there are sculptures depict the history of Lord Buddha, and Buddha images in different poses.
The temple is ideal for practitioners of Buddhist Dharma teachings.

Under the management of the Udon Thani Administration Office, it is now also home to the Udon Thani Chaloem Phra Kiat Mind Development Centre. The temple and the centre attract a number of both Thais and foreigners coming here for Dharma practice.

Each year, the temple will organise the Ritual Bathing of Lord Buddha’s Relics on the full moon night of the third lunar month (this usually falls in March). Buddhist followers are invited to attend the sacred ceremony to bath the Lord Buddha’s relics, join the light waving rite around the pagoda and take part in the regal ceremony to pay homage to Their Majesties King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit, as well as join many other sacred ceremonies and rites.
Wat Pa Ban Kho is located in Tambon Khuea Nam. From town, drive along Highway No. 2 (Udon Thani – Nong Khai), turn left at Km. 13 onto Highway No. 2021 (Udon Thani – Ban Phue) and proceed for another 20 kilometers. Then, turn right for another 3 kilometers towards the temple.

(Source: press release)