Devotees of faith gathered in large numbers to participate in the "Giant Chanting Ceremony and Rattanasuwan Holy Water Bath" at Wat Hua Pho in Suphan Buri Province, enhancing blessings to close the old year and welcome the new, while also looking for "lucky numbers for the 2/1/26 lottery" to try their luck.
On 29 December 2025 GMT+7, at Wat Hua Pho in Song Phi Nong District, Suphan Buri Province, Phra Athikan Amnat Techatharo, the abbot, organized the Giant Chanting Ceremony and Rattanasuwan Holy Water Bath at the front yard of the statues of Lord Vessavana, Lord Prosperity, Lord Growth, and Lord Vessavana, the Great Millionaire in the Brahma Birth Attendant posture.
Monks sat in meditation to bless and consecrate the holy water, while Phra Mahanak from Nakhon Sawan led the giant chanting, reciting the Atanatiya Paritta—a protective chant dedicated to the four Great Heavenly Kings of the Cātummahārājika heaven: "Dhatarattha" the king of the Gandharvas, "Virūḷhaka" the king of the Kumbhāṇḍas, "Virūpakkha" the king of the Nāgas, and "Vessavana" the king of the giants. These figures are revered in Buddhism, and the ritual is believed to dispel evil and protect both chanters and listeners, ensuring their well-being.
During the chanting, some participants showed unusual reactions—some tensed their hands, others stood up mimicking giants, and some trembled as if possessed. Afterwards, the Rattanasuwan holy water bath ritual was performed for the devotees to bring auspiciousness, marking the year-end and new year welcoming ceremony at Wat Hua Pho.
Additionally, devotees paid respects and sought blessings from Luang Pho Nong and Luang Pho Songad, former abbots revered by the locals. Phra Athikan Amnat anointed the hands and bags of devotees for good fortune and luck from Lord Vessavana. Incense sticks yielded the numbers 4-5-0, while firecracker tails from the ceremonial offerings revealed the numbers 92-658 and 15-869. Lottery enthusiasts eagerly took these numbers to try their luck in the upcoming new year draw.
