Wat Sawang Arom held a grand gilding ceremony on 99 nimit spheres for 9 temples. Attendees whispered “lucky numbers” as lottery tips, saying many people receive good fortune almost every year.
On 10 Feb 2026 at Wat Sawang Arom in Khae Thao, Khun Kaeo Subdistrict, Nakhon Chai Si District, Nakhon Pathom Province, devotees continued arriving to pay respects to sacred objects. Meanwhile, Luang Pho Pae, the renowned abbot, directed monks and devotees helping to move sacred items to a large tent beside the ordination hall. This was in preparation for the annual gilding ceremony of 99 nimit spheres for 9 poor temples in nine provinces, an event held continuously for 10 years from 12 Feb to 8 Mar 2026. It is one of the largest events in Nakhon Pathom, attracting many devotees because gilding here benefits nine temples at once.
This year, Luang Pho Pae prepared an impressive display by enshrining five sacred Buddha images known as the Five Siblings of Thailand: Luang Pho Sothon, Luang Pho Wat Rai Khing, Luang Pho Wat Ban Laem, Luang Pho Khao Takrao, and Luang Pho To of Wat Bang Phli. These were placed for devotees to gild. Also moved were sacred statues including Luang Pho Phra Ngern Phra Thong, the Earth Goddess twisting her hair, the giant guardian deity Thao Hirun Phanasun standing 10 meters tall, and the mounted Guan Yu warrior. These were displayed inside a giant tent measuring 100 by 50 meters beside the ordination hall, with a distinctive 20-meter-tall giant nimit sphere at the front. All were arranged to allow devotees to pay respects, seek blessings, and ask for luck in one place, bringing auspicious merit.
The 99 nimit spheres, specially made in Ang Sila, were arranged in a long row around the ordination hall for gilding. Donation boxes were placed for each of the 9 temples, which will take the spheres back to their home provinces for reburial ceremonies. This year, four temples from the Northeast, two from the North, and three from the South will receive the nimit spheres. Baskets holding gold leaf sheets were also set at the donation boxes for devotees to contribute.
Inside the ordination hall, devotees could gild the temple’s principal Buddha statues and the Buddha footprint. Luang Pho Pae also created a botanical garden featuring various plants and a blooming sunflower field over 5 rai. A replica of the Golden Gate Bridge spanned the sunflower garden, decorated with millions of lights and a cherry blossom archway, providing a relaxing spot for families to enjoy the beauty and take photos.
Mr. Chuan Chunyim, 50, a local from Khlong Mai, Sam Phran District, who helps move sacred objects and assist at the temple annually, said that before the event, Luang Pho Pae gathers monks and villagers to relocate sacred items from the main pavilion to the event tent. This has been happening for 11 years, usually during the Chinese New Year or Valentine’s Day period, though dates vary each year. He said that miraculously, he and his friends often win lottery prizes every year by using the event dates—the day, month, and year—as lottery numbers. For example, this year’s event runs from 12 Feb to 8 Mar 2026, so they buy tickets with numbers like 128 or 569, or the two-digit 12. He emphasized that many receive blessings every year and advised not to disrespect this tradition.