Locals flocked to participate in the sacred ceremony “Supporting the Bodhi Tree and the Sky” at Sirichai Charoen Temple in Nong Bua Lamphu after a giant Bodhi tree over 150 years old fell without damaging any structures. Attendees searched for lucky numbers during the ceremony to try their luck in the 1/10/26 lottery draw.
On 30 Sep 2026 GMT+7, reporters said at Sirichai Charoen Temple, Non Sang Subdistrict, Non Sang District, Nong Bua Lamphu Province, Luang Pu Ruesi Kesaekaeo from Ruesi Kesaekaeo Hermitage in Nong Bua Lamphu town presided over the monastic side together with Phra Kru Kowit Sutaporn, Ph.D., abbot of Sirichai Charoen Temple, conducting the “Supporting the Bodhi Tree and the Sky” ceremony. This ancient tradition is passed down for auspiciousness, to boost fortunes, and symbolically to uphold the strength of Buddhism.
On the evening of 29 Sep, a giant Bodhi tree more than 159 years old inside the temple fell. Remarkably, the large tree toppled in a direction that did not crush any nearby buildings or structures. This occurred after the abbot made merit dedicating merits to a former district ecclesiastical chief and ancestors, and prayed for a miracle to raise funds for building a new mortuary pavilion. Locals believed this was a good omen and a manifestation of sacred faith.
The ceremony atmosphere was filled with reverence, featuring a Naga spirit dance and religious activities to uplift the community’s morale. The highlight awaited by locals and lottery enthusiasts was when Luang Pu Ruesi Kesaekaeo performed a ritual incense stick divination, revealing the clear number 392. Attendees excitedly took photos with their mobile phones to share, intending to use the number as guidance for the lottery draw on 1 October 2026, according to their beliefs.