Midnight Alms-giving Ceremony At Wat Uppakhut

[ChiangMaiMail]

Midnight alms-giving ceremony at Wat Uppakhut

Jedsadapong Wongkiew

The Buddhist midnight merit-making ceremony, Tak Bat Wan Peng Put, took place at Wat Uppakhut Tuesday, November 2. Chiang Mai Buddhists attended the blessing ceremony at Wat Uppakhut and then offered alms to the monks who walked from Wat Uppakhut to Tha Pae gate.

Monks are offered food and goods by Buddhist residents of Chiang Mai in the midnight ceremony.

The ceremony stems from the legend of Phra Uppakhut, an enlightened and powerful monk and follower of the Lord Buddha. The tale is that he emerged from the sea and transformed into a Buddhist novice on a Tuesday night. The novice then walked among the people and asked for alms. It is believed that whoever made merit by giving alms to him would receive happiness, good luck and prosperity.

This Lanna religious tradition is held at midnight on every Tuesday night that falls on a full moon throughout the year.

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-- Chiang Mai Mail 2009/12/08

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Edited December 10, 2009 by ChiangMaiMail