ภาษาไทยOffering Ceremony of Sandalwood Flowers to HM late King Bhumibol on October 26
Royal Cremation Ceremony of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej
Offering Ceremony of Sandalwood Flowers on October 26, 2017
At Wat Thai Washington DC, Silver Spring, Maryland
(All Thai nationals, foreigners and friends of Thailand are invited)
His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, widely regarded as Thailand’s moral compass and a staunch supporter of Thailand – United States relations, ruled the country for more than seven decades until his passing on October 13, 2016. The country has been in an official year of mourning since then with many Thais choosing to wear black in remembrance of his boundless and gracious kindness.
Thai Buddhists often wait a week or more before cremating their dead but royal funerals are exceptional and over 12 million Thais have paid their respects to the late King at the Grand Palace in Bangkok since last October.
The royal cremation ceremony will last from October 25 – 29, with a series of ceremonies and processions transferring the urn and relics to and from the crematorium at Sanam Luang in Bangkok. The actual cremation day is on October 26. For many Thais this cremation ceremony will be their first experience of a royal funeral of a monarch and will allow them to pay a final tribute to His Majesty the late King.
Throughout the United States, the Royal Thai Embassy, the Permanent Mission of Thailand to the United Nations and Consulates-General, Thai communities and Thai temples will observe the cremation ceremony by offering sandalwood flowers on the cremation day of October 26. Ancient Thais believed the sandalwood fragrance will lead the soul of the deceased to heaven.
In Washington DC area including Virginia and Maryland, the Royal Thai Embassy and other Governmental Offices along with Thai Community and Wat Thai Washington DC (MD), Wat Tummaprateip Washington DC (MD), Wat Yarnna Rangsee Buddhist Monastery (VA), Wat Pa Nanachart (VA), Wat Pa Tesrangsee (VA) and Wat Pasantidhamma (VA) will observe the offering ceremony of sandalwood flowers at
Wat Thai Washington DC
(13440, Layhill Road, Silver Spring, Maryland 20906)
Thursday October 26, 2017
From 05:30 am – 06:00 pm
You may consider attending the ceremony at time of convenience from 5 am onwards, or preferably from 05:30 – 11:00 am. Below are details of the cremation ceremony at Wat Thai Washington DC:
| 05:30 am | Merit-making ceremony |
| 06:00 am | Watch the royal cremation ceremony live from Bangkok |
| 06:30 am | Offering Sandalwood flowers begins |
| 07:00 am | Food Offering to monks (breakfast) |
| 11:00 am | Dana / Lunch |
| 06:00 pm | Offering sandalwood flowers ends |
Dress code: Full dress / Black or dark dress / Mourning
Sandalwood flowers : Intricate cremation flowers representing the daffodil made by volunteers will be provided for you to offer at the ceremony on October 26. The daffodil or “dararat” in Thai was His Majesty King Bhumibol’s favorite flower and often presented to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit during their stay in Switzerland. Daffodil or Dararat is offered to loved ones as a symbol of honor, bravery and hope. Dara means star while Rat is a precious gem. This dararat cremation flowers also reflect the love the Thai people have towards His Majesty King Bhumibol remembering his seven-decade long reign and uncountable contributions.
Food & Beverage : Provided by Team Thailand in Washington DC and the Thai community
Parking and Shuttle Service : For your convenience, two parking lots nearby Wat Thai are allocated at your own risk with shuttle car services available from 4 am to 5 pm
| Parking Lots | Address | Capacity | Distance (mile) |
| Glenfield Local Park | 12800 Layhill Rd, Silver Spring, MD 20906 |
60+ | 1.0 mile (15 min walk) |
| Glenmont Metro Station (fee applies) |
12501 Georgia Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20906 |
100+ | 1.5 mile (25 min walk) |
