Blessing rite for royal chariots

BANGKOK, Sept 21 (TNA) – Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha presided over the blessing ceremony for the royal chariots to be used in the royal cremation of His Majesty Late King Bhumibol Adulyadej in late October. The ritual took place at the auspicious time at 2.51pm today at the National Museum Bangkok after 10-month renovation is completed. Now, the royal chariots are ready for the big rehearsal on Oct 21. Deputy Prime Minister Gen Tanasak Patimapragorn, who chairs a committee overseeing the construction of the Royal Crematorium and the restoration of the royal chariots also attend the ceremony. Gen Prayut led personnel, pulling three royal chariots – cannon chariot, Phra Maha Pichai Rajarot or Great Victory Royal Chariot and Racharot Noi or Small Royal Chariot. A traditional Thai dancing was performed by the Fine Art Department. The Great Victory Royal Chariot, built in the reign of King Ram I is the most significant chariot to carry the royal urn to Sanam Luang ceremonial ground. (TNA)