Royal Barge Procession for Royal Kathin Ceremony on 5 November 2007

Royal Barge Procession for Royal Kathin Ceremony at Wat Arun Ratchawararam, 5 November 2007.
Thailand’s Royal Barge Procession (กระบวนพยุหยาตราชลมารค) is a ceremony which since nearly 700 years ago. The exquisitely crafted Royal Barges are a blend of craftsmanship and traditional Thai art. The Royal Barge Procession takes place rarely, typically coinciding with only the most significant cultural and religious events. This time is a royal ceremony for the King Bhumibol Adulyadej to personally presents robes (Kathin) to the Buddhist Monks at Wat Arun Ratchawararam (วัดอรุณราชวราราม)which traditionally takes place at end of the annual Buddhist Rains Retreat, or 'Ork Pansa : ออกพรรษา'.

The Royal Barge Anantanagaraj since 1865 (image from wikipedia)

Thailand’s Royal Barge Procession most likely began during the Ayutthaya period, in the 14th century. Western visitors witnessed and wrote about the immense procession with about 200 boats upon their arrival in Thailand in the 18th century.

The Royal Barge Procession formation is arranged into five columns, with the Royal Barges in the center, and two rows of war barges on each side.

The Royal Barge Anantanagaraj, Suphannahongsa, Narai Song Suban HM Rama IX and Anekchatbhuchongse are arranged from first to last in the center column respectively.

The 1st grand practice session of Thailand’s Royal Barge Procession for Royal Kathin Ceremony at Wat Arun Ratchawararam, 26 october 2007. The procession start from Wasukri Royal port

The Royal Barge Anantanagaraj over the Chapraya river on the practice session of Thailand’s Royal Barge Procession for Royal Kathin Ceremony at Wat Arun Ratchawararam, 26 october 2007

The Royal Barge Anantanagaraj

The Royal Barge Suphanahongsa

The Royal Barge Suphanahongsa with oarsmen is going to Wasukri Royal port.

The Oarsmen become ready for sailing for the practice session.

The Escort's Oarsmen with uniform standing on a port, the are several uniform difference for each barge oarsman.

The signalman on each escort barge.

Nai Rua (a blued)

Sailing from start.

One of the Escort Barges.

Royal Barge Subanahongsa going from the Wasukri Royal port on practice session day.

Royal Barge Subanahongsa

The Royal Barge Narayana song suban Hm King Rama IX is following.

The Royal Barge Anekajatbhujonga is going in the last one out of 4 Royal Barges.

The images for this post is not indicated in the fully of procession due to I went to the port which located arround the start point of the Royal Barge Procession Ceremony practicesession day (26 october 2007), I will back to post again one the better location.