His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua has changed the Emerald Buddha’s rainy season attire to mark the beginning of the winter season at Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram temple.
At 5:45 p.m. on Sunday (Nov 1), His Majesty the King and Her Majesty Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana proceeded to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, within the precincts of the Grand Palace. Their Majesties were accompanied by Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendiradebyavati Krom Luang Ratchasarinee Siripatchara Maha Watchara Ratchathida and Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya.
The Emerald Buddha is adorned during each year with three sets of attire. The summer and rainy season attire were commissioned by His Majesty King Phra Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke the Great (Rama I), and the winter season costume was made in the reign of His Majesty King Nangklao (Rama III). New seasonal attire was made to celebrate His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great’s (Rama IX) Golden Jubilee in 1996.
The garments are changed in a ceremony at the change of the seasons. Dates of the rituals are the first waning moon of the fourth, eighth and 12th months of the lunar calendar.
On this occasion, His Majesty the King cleaned the Emerald Buddha with holy water from a royal conch shell. His Majesty sprinkled holy water on Their Royal Highnesses Princess Bajrakitiyabha and Princess Sirivannavari as well as Royal Noble Consort Sineenart Pilaskalayanee. His Majesty then sprinkled holy water on other royal family members. His Majesty also sprinkled holy water over civil servants inside the temple hall.
Following a religious rite performed by Brahmin priests, Their Majesties the King and Queen paid their respects to offerings in front of the Emerald Buddha.
His Majesty the King sprinkled holy water over well-wishers outside the temple hall.