BMA considers reviving Giant Swing religious ritual after discontinued for 86 years

BMA considers reviving Giant Swing religious ritual after discontinued for 86 years

BANGKOK, 18 April 2018, (NNT) - The Governor of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) revealed that his office is considering reviving an old Brahmin ceremony at one of the capital’s landmarks ‘Giant Swing’. The ritual was discontinued 86 years ago. 

The Giant Swing is a religious structure in Phra Nakhon district. It is located in front of Wat Suthat Thepphawararam and the BMA headquarters. 

Bangkok Governor Asawin Kwanmuang explained that the decision came after a recent meeting between BMA officials. This ancient ceremony was discontinued in 1932 during the reign of King Rama the Seventh. The BMA is concerned that the old ritual would be forgotten, thus reintroducing it to the younger generation. 

Nonetheless, the governor said that the campaign needs an approval from related agencies including the Prime Minister’s Office, the Bureau of the Royal Household, the Fine Arts Department, to name a few. 

The governor estimated that his office would take at least a week to prepare the details of the campaign before proposing it to the Prime Minister’s Office. 

Pol. Gen. Asawin also indicated that the Giant Swing itself is being renovated, adding that the process would be completed within this month. The Bangkok governor said when the campaign receives a green light, the BMA will construct a replica of the Giant Swing for the ceremony, in order to preserve the integrity of the original one.

 

-- nnt BMA considers reviving Giant Swing religious ritual after discontinued for 86 years