Samut Prakan: The grand ‘Luang Pu Pan’ parade and the ‘Luang Pu Klang Thale’ flag-grabbing ceremony have been celebrated for 114 years. It is believed that carrying the Luang Pu Pan flag on a boat will bring good luck and ensure a safe journey.

According to Thai News Agency, the opening ceremony of ‘Putting Gold on Luang Pu Pan and Procession of Luang Pu Pan’ was held this morning at Wat Mongkol Kothawas, Tambon Khlong Dan, Amphoe Bang Bo, Samut Prakan Province. The event was attended by numerous devotees of Luang Pu Pan, politicians, government officials, merchants, and local residents. A replica of Luang Pu Pan was taken down from the chapel before being carried on a boat and paraded out to sea to the Gulf of Thailand for three rounds. A flag-grabbing ceremony was conducted in the middle of the sea for good fortune. Sailors hold a belief that carrying Luang Pu Pan’s flag on their boat brings them good luck and safe travels when they set out to fish.

The tradition of carrying Luang Pu Pan to the Gulf of Th
ailand takes place on the 4th day of the waxing moon of the 12th lunar month every year and has been observed for 114 years. Historically, most villagers in Samut Prakan Province, particularly in Khlong Dan Subdistrict, were fishermen. They would pay homage and seek blessings from Luang Pu Pan before going out to sea, often resulting in successful fishing trips. This practice has been handed down through generations and continues to this day.

After the water procession concluded, Luang Pu Pan was placed aboard a flower-carved vehicle, registration number 83-3408 Chachoengsao, and the land procession ensued. The procession began at Wat Mongkhon Kothawas, traveled along Sukhumvit Road to Bang Pakong District in Chachoengsao Province, and then looped back into Samut Prakan, heading to the Suvarnabhumi Water Canal, before returning to the temple to complete the ceremony.

The gold leafing ceremony to worship Luang Pu Pan and the tradition of the Luang Pu Pan procession are being held from November 4-10, for a to
tal of 7 days and 7 nights at Wat Mongkhon Kothawas, Samut Prakan Province. Interested individuals are welcome to join the event.