Thailand: The seven-headed naga prow of Anantanakharat, Royal Barges Museum, Bangkok

The Anantanakharat (Anantanakaraj) barge was built during the reign of King Vajiravudh (Rama VI), and launched in 1914.

Thailand's royal barges have been used in ceremonies on Bangkok's Chao Phraya River since the 18th century, but were also used prior to this period in the Ayutthayan era.

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. During the reign of King Bhumibol Adulyadej spanning over 60 years the Procession has only occurred 16 times.

The Royal Barge Procession, in the present, consists of 52 barges (51 historical Barges, and the Royal Barge the Narai Song Suban King Rama IX, built in 1994 and the only Barge built during King Bhumibol's reign) and is manned by 2,082 oarsmen. The Procession proceeds down the Chao Phraya River, from the Wasukri Royal Landing Place in Khet Dusit, Bangkok, passes the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, The Grand Palace, Wat Po and finally arrives at Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn).

Copyright:

CPA Media Co. Ltd.

Photographer:

David Henley

Credit:

Pictures From Asia