Friday, 9 May 2008: The Royal Ploughing Ceremony |
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 The Cultivating Ceremony, a Buddhist ritual initiated during the reign of King Rama IV, takes place in the Grand Palace, while the Ploughing Ceremony, an ancient Brahmanic ritual, takes place in Sanam Luang. The two royal ceremonies are performed over the course of two days to mark the start of Thailand’s rice-growing season, to celebrate Thailand’s farmers, and to ensure a prosperous year for crops.The Royal Ploughing Ceremony is an important event, rich in culture, tradition, and pageantry. During the ceremony, the amount of rainfall expected during the coming year is forecast and the quality of the next harvest is predicted. Brahmin priests and the Praya Raek Na, or Lord of the Ceremony, perform major roles, members of the Ministry of Agriculture attend and the ceremony is presided over by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn. The NMV has made arrangements for a small group to attend this year’s Royal Ploughing Ceremony as official guests. It is an early morning event, so sign up only if you are sure you’ll be able to attend. As it is a major state function, a dress code applies and use of cameras is restricted. Royal Ploughing Ceremony instructionsDress Code: As this is a state function attended by Royalty and senior government officials, to show respect and to represent the NMV appropriately, you are required to wear: - skirt to the ankles - black, white or muted (definitely not bright) colours - shirt with sleeves to elbows or wrists - covered shoes (not sandals) Please make sure that your outfit looks formal rather than casual. Photographs: You will be allowed to take photographs until the ceremony starts. There are restrictions about the taking of photographs and officials will tell you when you are to stop using your camera. Please note that you are expected to obey these instructions. You will be seated in a special tent for guests and will be accompanied by other guests and Ministry officials. Official photographers will film the event and they will be ushered to the front. Even if others around you are taking photos, we are guests of the Ministry of Agriculture and must adhere to their request. Your cooperation is expected and required. NMV Excursions provides this information as a guideline to assist you to know what will be required if you attend. This information should be sufficient for your preparation so we hope this will limit further email inquiries about these issues. |
 Please note: Please think carefully before requesting a place on this excursion. Whilst we appreciate that sometimes a last minute cancellation may be unavoidable particularly due to illness, recently we have had a high level of withdrawals on the day of the excursion. These last minute changes mean empty places which are wasteful as refreshments and meals have already been ordered and places could have been filled by others on the waiting list.
WAIVER OF LIABILITYThe NMV will not provide personal insurance for excursion participants. The Museum Group’s Excursions is part of the National Museum Volunteers, which is non-profit organization and is not a professional travel service. It cannot be held responsible for any injury, loss, or damage that may occur during any excursion, although the Museum Group’s Excursions will make every effort to provide for the safety of participants. |
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