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Open Days: Annually (Waning 7–8 of Month 12)

Opening Hours: From approximately 05:00 AM onwards

 

The 108 Monk Almsgiving Festival in Nonthaburi is a unique Buddhist tradition that beautifully reflects the riverside lifestyle of Thai communities. Taking place along the Bangkok Noi Canal, this event showcases a rare form of almsgiving conducted entirely on the water, creating a powerful image of faith, unity, and cultural heritage.

 

This tradition is held primarily in Bang Kruai and Bang Yai districts, where several temples such as Wat Thai Charoen, Wat Bang Krai Nok, Wat Uthayan, Wat Bot, and Wat Bang Krai Nai participate together. These temples form a connected spiritual network along the canal, making the festival a large-scale community event.

 

The ceremony begins on the afternoon of the waning 7th day of the 12th lunar month. On this day, each temple organizes a boat procession carrying its revered Buddha images along the canal. These processions are elaborately decorated and often include traditional performances, creating a lively yet sacred atmosphere.

 

This procession serves as a formal announcement to the community, inviting people to join the almsgiving ceremony the following day. All temples conduct their processions simultaneously, symbolizing unity and cooperation.

 

The main event takes place on the waning 8th day of the 12th lunar month. Starting from around 05:00 AM, both sides of the canal become filled with participants preparing offerings. Many arrive by boat, maintaining the traditional way of life along the waterways.

 

Monks travel by boat to receive alms, with each boat typically carrying 1–3 monks and rowers. The almsgiving begins at the same time across all temples, moving in one direction before returning along the opposite side of the canal, allowing everyone to participate.

 

In addition to almsgiving, Buddha images are paraded along the water so that devotees can pay respect, apply gold leaf, and make donations. These offerings help support temple maintenance and religious activities.

 

The busiest period occurs between 06:00–07:00 AM, when the canal is filled with activity. Participants bring a wide variety of offerings, including rice, cooked dishes, fruits, and traditional desserts.

 

A distinctive feature of this festival is the participation of locals dressed as hermits or symbolic monks, adding a playful yet meaningful cultural element to the ceremony.

 

This festival represents not only religious devotion but also strong community bonds and cultural continuity. It remains one of the most distinctive traditions in Nonthaburi Province.

 

 

A: It takes place on the waning 7th and 8th days of the 12th lunar month each year.

 

A: Yes, both locals and tourists can participate in the almsgiving ceremony.

 

A: You can bring food offerings such as rice, cooked dishes, fruits, or dry goods.

 

A: The almsgiving takes place on boats across multiple temples simultaneously.

 

A: Yes, it is ideal for travelers interested in Thai culture and religious traditions.