Thai Buddhism is a mix of Bhramanism and Buddhism. One would think that the past former religion
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| Hindu symbol |
of Siam would have disappeared with the arrival of the Ceylonese Buddhism. But in reality, the two merged together within the Thai society.
It has never been so obvious as tonight as I was attending the Indian Navaratri Festival in Bangkok. This festival started at Sri Mariamman Temple on Silom Road. This is the main Indian temple in town.
At first, I had thought that it would mostly attract the local Indian community. I soon discovered that it attracted a huge Thai audience instead!
What is the Navaratri Festival?
This is a Hindu Festival celebrated each year in the autumn. In Sanskrit, it means 'nine nights'. It lasts for nine nights or ten days, celebrating the goddess Devi. It symbolizes the triumph of good over evil.
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| Street flower design |
Images of the Bangkok Festival 2017.
The number of people attending the procession was amazing. It was even more surprising how colorful it was and the care that was displayed in so many religious stalls along the way. The burning of incense became heavier after a while. And the fervor of the worshippers was totally captivating.
Stall displays:
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| Display preparation. |
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| Adding the Hindu deities. |
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| Street flowers. |
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| Each stall is different. |
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| Display of fruit offerings. |
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| Typical Thai arrangements |
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| Fruit display. |
People attending.
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| Thai mother and son. |
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| Man in white. |
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| Praying lady in Indian attire. |
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| Young girls at a stall. |
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| Selfie! |
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| Boys with a traditional hairdo. |
The procession:
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| Beginning of the procession |
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| People attending |
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| Sending scented powder on worshippers. |
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| This man has a spear across his jaws! |
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| Street scene at night. |
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| Chanting prayers. |
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