Maha Sarakham: Jiraporn Sindhuphrai, Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office, recently attended the Bun Pha Wet Festival in Maha Sarakham, where she participated in a ceremony honoring Luang Pu Sri Thammasat. She was joined at Wat Tai Kosum in Tambon Hua Khwang, Amphoe Kosum Phisai, by Phra Khru Anukul Sanghakij, Dr., the abbot of Wat Tai Kosum, as well as regional dignitaries including Mr. Jirawat Siriphanit, Member of the House of Representatives for Maha Sarakham Province, District 5, and Mr. Noppasit Udomsuwannakul, Deputy Governor of Maha Sarakham Province.
According to Thai News Agency, the event was also attended by Dr. Pornpitak Maensiri, Director of the Public Relations Office, District 1, Khon Kaen, alongside various heads of government agencies, local administrative organization executives, and members of the Buddhist community. Wat Tai Kosum holds a significant place in the local community as a spiritual center, led by the esteemed monk Luang Pu Srithammasathan, known for his strict adherence to Dhamma practices.
Ms. Jiraporn expressed the significance of the occasion, marking it as an important cultural and religious event. She highlighted the festival as a unifying force for the community, promoting cultural traditions and fostering unity. The Mahachat Festival, an integral part of the Bun Pha Wet Festival, is seen as a rare religious identity that is important to preserve for future generations.
The annual ceremony features various activities, including the procession of Phra Wessantara into the city, the Mahachat sermon, and the procession of a thousand rice balls. This year, the festival is scheduled to take place from February 22 to 24, 2025, at Ban Khum Tai in Kosum Phisai District, Maha Sarakham Province.