Note: Event dates and programme details may be subject to change. To ensure you have the most updated information, please reconfirm details prior to travel.
The Royal Ploughing Ceremony is an ancient Brahminical rite dating back to the Sukhothai period (1257 - 1350 A.D.) The ceremony, which heralds the start of the new rice-growing season, was undertaken to assure a successful planting season and an abundance of the nation's crops. Festivities were held to boost the farmers' morale urging them to strive for an abundant harvest for consumption and to ensure sufficient reserves for times of war and for export overseas.
The practice faded out towards the end of the reign of King Prajadhipok (Rama VII) but was later revived by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej in 1960 (B.E. 2503). Since then, it has been observed annually.
Today, the Royal Ploughing Ceremony consists of two ceremonies - a Cultivating Ceremony known as "Phraraj Pithi Peuj Mongkol" and the Ploughing Ceremony, "Phraraj Pithi Jarod Phranangkal Raek Na Kwan". Both royal ceremonies are state events with the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives assuming the role of the Lord of the Harvest or Phraya Raek Na, while four single female officials of the Ministry holding positions of second rank and above in the civil service undertake the role of the Celestial Maidens or Nang Thepi, assistants to the Lord of the Harvest.
The Cultivating Ceremony is a Buddhist ritual performed one day before the Ploughing Ceremony. Paddy and the seeds of forty other crops and ceremonial items to be used in the Ploughing Ceremony are blessed. His Majesty the King (or a representative) presides over the religious rites which are performed in the Royal Chapel of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha within the compounds of the Grand Palace. With lustral water poured over his hands and his forehead anointed by His Majesty the King, the Lord of the Harvest receives the royal blessing. The four Celestial Maidens also receive similar blessing. The Lord of the Harvest then receives the ceremonial ring and sword to be used in the Ploughing Ceremony from His Majesty the King.
The Royal Ploughing Ceremony which is held the next morning at Sanam Luang -- The Royal Ground -- begins with the Lord of the Harvest performing a rite to predict the amount of rainfall in the coming season. This is done by selecting one of three pieces of cloth of varying lengths. At the auspicious time following the arrival of His Majesty the King and members of the Royal Family, the Lord of the Harvest begins to plough the field and sows the rice seeds from the baskets carried by the Celestial Maidens. At the end of the ploughing ceremony, the ceremonial bulls are led to troughs, each containing one of seven different offerings of food or drink namely, paddy, green beans, maize, hay, sesame seed, water and liquor. Predictions regarding the success of the harvest and the abundance of particular crops in the coming season are determined by the items selected by the bulls. Then as the barricades are removed, hundreds rush into the field hoping to gather a few sacred rice grains scattered by the Lord of Harvest. These are either mixed with the farmer's own rice stock to ensure a good crop in the coming year, or simply kept as a token of good luck.
DRESS CODE
The Royal Ploughing Ceremony is a major state function with Their Majesties granting an audience at the event hence certain restrictions regarding the observation of the ceremony are unavoidable. They apply to all individuals who are not actual participants in the ceremony, irrespective of Thais or foreigners.
The Bureau of The Royal Household requests the kind co-operation of all visitors to this ceremonial event to observe the following dress code.
Dress Code For International Media :
Members of the Press are requested to dress in formal business attire with "Press / Media" sleeve bands
Dress Code for Gentlemen :
Shirt and necktie or Thai national costume (with high collar)
Dress Code for Ladies :
Blouse and skirt or dress. (Please refrain from wearing trousers, pantalons, pants)
Tourists are requested to observe the following regulations strictly.
Do-s And Don't-s
Before 08:30, tourists may take photographs as they please, but they must not in any circumstances enter the Brahminic ritual pavilion. After 08:30, tourists must remain within the tents assigned and photographs can only be taken from the tents.
If tourists wish to collect some of the rice seed sown during the ceremony, they must do so only after the departure of Their Majesties.
Throughout the ceremony, tourists must wear badges distributed by TAT.
Highlights Regulations for Photography
1. Photographers must have their cameras checked by the C.I.D. at approximately 06:00 a.m.
2. Photographers who are authorized to take photos at the ceremonial ground must be dressed in a business suit with a gray sleeve band, specifically provided for this occasion by the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives. Photographers who do not comply with this regulation will be excluded.
3. Photographers are not permitted to walk into the Phraya Raek Na Kwan (Lord of the Royal Ploughing Ceremony) Procession. Photographing is permitted only from both sides of the procession.
4. Three specific locations at the eastern side of the ploughing ground have been prepared for photographers. Photographers are requested not to stand or sit along the side of the ploughing ground. Once photographs outside the specific locations have been taken, photographers are requested to return to their place.
5. Before the arrival of His Majesty the King (or a representative), guests or individuals with no photographer sleeve band may take photos, but not in the Brahman area.
6. Following the arrival of His Majesty the King (or a representative), and during the course of the Ploughing Ceremony, guests and individuals with no photographer sleeve band are not permitted to take photos. Photographers wearing the sleeve band are allowed to take photos but not allowed to enter into the ploughing ground and the Royal Pavilion area.
Note: Event dates and programme details may be subject to change. To ensure you have the most updated information, please reconfirm details prior to travel.
Link to the Tourism Authority of Thailand
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