I took these photos at a Thai temple in the Chiang Mai countryside on Makha Bucha Day earlier this week. This is an important Buddhist holiday and an opportunity for Thai people to make merit by visiting the local wat (temple) and making donations which go towards the upkeep of the temple.
Monks preside over the ceremonies and in this photo you can also see a tall money tree behind the Buddha image. To the left of the Buddha there is a large wooden bowl which is covered in yellow Post-it notes (shown in close-up below). The names of family members are written on the notes and this is another way of making merit and wishing good luck and health for your family
A Thai monk blesses a container of water which is then hoisted up by pulleys to anoint the roof of the temple or raised Buddha image.
Photos © Thaizer
