The public were given the first view of Nong Yai’s new sanctuary at the Pattaya temple’s annual fair.
Crowds of Buddhists thronged to the temple grounds March 9-15 to pay respects to the Luang Phu Techpanya and Luang Phor Supoj Supattro Buddha statues and make merit in a variety of other ways.
The temple fair was the first time the new Wihan Burapajan sanctuary was open and it drew a lot of interest.
The main purpose of the annual festival was to raise money for renovation of the monks’ dormitory and landscaping. Believers, many who came in traditional Thai dress, donated money toward that goal to make merit.
They also filled oil lamps and lit floating lotus candles corresponding according to color of their birthdates, gilded the Buddha statues, presented robes to monks and bought roof tiles.
Moreover, Pattaya City School No. 4 students sold raffle tickets for 20 baht each with money going toward the education fund. Other booths offered food, beverages, clothes and amusement park rides.
