I think, traditions of each community are valuable by their own beliefs. Chak-Phra is one of ancient Buddhist traditions of the South of Thailand that is valuable, interesting, beautiful and colorful. Besides, it’s also very exciting for most children like me (in the old days).
I wrote about this tradition in my post long time ago. No matter you can remember it or not, I will add more details and new photos of the tradition that was just hold a few days ago in Phatthalung province, my hometown, in the South of Thailand.
According to Buddhist story, after the 3 months Rains Retreat, our Lord Buddha came back from heaven to earth. We, therefore, gather together to welcome him.
The tradition started from that day until now….
Chak - Southern Thai language, in this case, means pull
Phra means monk or in this case means Buddha image (Buddha image represents for our Lord Buddha)
Each community may have different ways to welcome the Buddha. For southern Thai people, we welcome the Buddha by decorating truck with beautiful Thai style and put the Buddha image on the truck. We “chak-phra” or pull the ropes, that link to the decorated truck that the Buddha image is situated, around the town for people to worship.
The decorated truck looks splendor with colorful flowers and other wonderful decorations. And, as you can see, the “Naga” is one of the most amazing decorations.
We believe that, if we help pulling the Buddha image or “chak-phra” to the temple, we feel as if we make a great merit…. That’s why there were many people, including me, “chak-phra” or joining the parade. Even though the decorated truck was very heavy, we tried wholeheartedly to pull the Buddha image to the temple.
By the way, to help encouraging people to pull the decorated truck, those people who stay with the Buddha image on the decorated truck, beat drums with joyful rhythm all the times along the way.
I can say that, apart from the happiness in our mind that we gained from “chak-phra”, it’s also very fun for us, especially children, participating in “chak-phra” parade.
It’s unfortunate that nowadays things change so much, there are few people “chak-phra”. (as you can see from the photos)
Anyway, I’m happy to see that we still preserve this ancient tradition until present.
There are many decorated trucks, but my sister chose only two among them to show you today. These photos can remind me to the valuable and joyful old days.
Hope you find this tradition interesting!