Don't miss the traditional ceremony inviting Luang Pho Sothorn up from the Bang Pakong River, marking the 256th year in 2026. It will be held from 1 to 5 April 2026 at Wat Sothon Wararam Worawihan, Na Mueang Subdistrict, Mueang District, Chachoengsao Province.
This includes the circumambulation merit-making ceremony and the ceremony to invite Luang Pho Sothorn up from the Bang Pakong River, which locals simply call "Luang Pho Sothorn's Birthday." This ceremony reenacts the historic event when Luang Pho Sothorn actually floated down the river. Here are important details for spiritual believers to know.
It is a remembrance ceremony of a past event around 1770 CE, according to legend. Luang Pho Sothorn was one of three Buddha statues that floated down the Bang Pakong River and emerged in front of Wat Sothon Wararam Worawihan. Villagers tried many times to bring the statue ashore but failed until they set up a spirit shrine and used a sacred thread to loop around the statue's hand, successfully inviting it ashore.
This ceremony is held annually on the 14th day of the waxing moon in the 5th lunar month, which in 2026 falls on 1 April. This date marks the anniversary of the statue's arrival from the water.
Schedule for 1 April 2026
At 14:00, the ceremony to invite Luang Pho Sothorn up from the Bang Pakong River will be held at the invitation pavilion.
At 16:00, the chanting of the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta will take place,
along with the consecration ceremony of sacred objects at the ordination hall.
At 18:00, there will be a traditional dance offering to Luang Pho Sothorn.
Schedule for 2-5 April 2026
At 17:00, chanting of the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta will continue.
This will be accompanied by the consecration of sacred objects at the temple.
Location: Wat Sothon Wararam Worawihan, Chachoengsao Province.
Coordinates: https://maps.app.goo.gl/vfRBnFRgmNCaA28e7
What you will see every year in this ceremonyThe main highlightis the reenactment event. A procession of boats carrying the replica statue of Luang Pho Sothorn floats along the Bang Pakong River. Brahmin priests and monks perform the Chayanto chanting ritual, and villagers together pull the sacred thread to invite the statue ashore to be enshrined at the ceremonial area. The statue is then draped in a yellow cloth, with a cloth sash replaced, marking a very sacred moment.
It is believed that Buddhists attending the event receive positive energy, especially the belief that participation on the day Luang Pho rises from the water will help resolve life’s blockages or difficulties, enabling rapid recovery or breakthrough.
The river water at the ceremony site is considered holy water that day. Many people bring containers to collect it as a blessing for smoothness in life. This is especially suitable for those starting new businesses or wishing to revitalize stagnant aspects of their lives in a positive direction.