Worship Ceremony of Luang Pho Phet and Celebration of Phichit: Composition and Roles of Rituals

Abstract

The worship of Luang Pho Phet and celebration of Mueang Phichit is the biggest annual event in Phichit Province.The objectives of this research were 1) To study the ritual compositions and 2) To study the ritual functions. Data was gathered from documents and field data collection. The study found that the most important elements of the ritual are Luang Pho Phet because it is valued as a sacred figure located at the center of the event and Wat Tha Luang that enshrines the Buddha image as the main venue for the event. The important sequence of the rituals is the worship of Luang Pho Phet,the fortune telling ceremony of Mueang Phichit, the flowerdecorated car parade, the lotus worship, and the Pratheep Nava worship ceremony of Luang Pho Phet. These ceremonies symbolize Phichit as a land of Buddhism, and people of the city have strong faith in Buddhism. The worship of Luang Pho Phet and celetration of Mueang Phichit plays an important role in Phichit Province in many ways including roles in creating morale, harmony, and cooperation; inheriting local legends to create the identity of people of Phichit; and creating economy; entertainment, and fundraising. These roles demonstrate the cooperation of government agencies, private sectors, and people of Phichit Province. It is also an event that promotes Phichit Province to be more well known.