The Diving Buddha (local customs)

The Ceremony of the diving a Buddha image in a river in Phetchabun is held once a year. The festival usually takes place on the 15th day of the 10th waning moon. It is an old ceremony that has been observed continuously for many years. It allows the Governor of Phetchabun to show his scrifice to the people. 

Traditionally, the Governor was the only person deemed suitable to bear the sacred Buddha image and dive with it into the river. According to tradition, whener the Governor did not fulfil this duty, the crops became barren that year and the image would mysteriously disappear.

The Buddha image known as "Phra Buddha Maha Dhammaraja" is a focus of worship for the people of Phetchabun. The image originally resided in Sukhothai, before being moved to its present abode at Tri Bhumi Temple in Phetchabun.

Location : Phetchabun