Bangkok
In April, alongside the vibrant festivities of Songkran, an essential Thai tradition, there’s another significant event often overlooked—Bangkok City Foundation Day. Observed on April 21st annually, it commemorates the establishment of Bangkok as well as the raising of its city pillar. This year marks the 242nd anniversary of Bangkok City.
Let’s rewind to the Buddhist year of 1782 when His Majesty King Phra Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke , also known as King Rama I, ascended the throne and founded the Rattanakosin Kingdom on April 6th, 1782. This pivotal moment saw the capital’s relocation from Thonburi to the eastern bank of the Chao Phraya River, accompanied by the construction of the illustrious Grand Palace and the new capital city, which was aptly named:
“Bangkok, the City of Angels, the Supreme God Indra’s Great Capital, Unconquerable City of Ayutthaya of Great Gems, Grand Capital of the World Endowed with Nine Precious Gems, Abounding in Enormous Royal Palaces, Resplendent like a Precious Stone Set around Indra’s Palace, Everlastingly Replete with the Illustrious Virtues of the Buddha.”
This title underscores Bangkok’s divine status, serving as the eternal abode of the revered Emerald Buddha and a resilient, flourishing metropolis, adorned with majestic royal residences. It’s a city where monarchs, revered as incarnations of gods, rule with virtue. King Rama I initiated the city pillar’s establishment on a Sunday, April 6th, 1782 at 06:54 AM.
The ceremonial erection of the city pillar follows the “Royal Ceremony of City Pillar Foundation.” It involves crafting the pillar from Chaiyapruek wood, coated with Mai Khaen Chan, and meticulously placed to signify the city’s spiritual and geographical centrality. Chaiyapruek wood, believed to symbolize victory and triumph, carries a profound significance in ancient Thai ceremonies.
On April 21st, 2024, marking Bangkok City’s 242nd Anniversary, the Ministry of Culture, alongside governmental and private entities, organized a grand ceremony named “242 Years Bangkok City Foundation Day.” Held from April 21st to 25th, 2024 the event took place at iconic venues across Bangkok, including the National Museum, Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, Ratchadamnoen Contemporary Art Hall, Rattanakosin Island, and Wat Prayurawongsawat Worawihan
Sources: https://th.wiktionary.org, STOU Library: https://library.stou.ac.th/wp-content/odi/online/exhibition-lukinlukchai/index.html
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