PHOTOS

11 FEB 2013

Brahmin New Year in Bangkok

The ancient 10-day rite of Triyumpawai marks the Brahmin New Year, a time for devotees to worship Shiva who, according to Hindu myth, comes down to earth during the period. Triyumpawai is celebrated annually on the half moon night of the second month in the lunar calendar at the Devastan shrine near the Giant Swing in Phra Nakhon district. Photos by Panumas Sanguanwong.

 
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Brahmin New Year in Bangkok
The Devastan, or Hindu shrine, on Din So road in Phra Nakhon district of Bangkok.
Brahmin New Year in Bangkok
Phra Maha Raja Guru Bidhi Sri Visudhigun, the chief Brahmin at the Devastan.
Brahmin New Year in Bangkok
A worshipper attends prayers on the first night of Triyumpawai.
Brahmin New Year in Bangkok
The chief Brahmin invites Earth Goddess Kangka, or Ganges Goddess, and the Sun and Moon gods, to earth to welcome Shiva during the Triyumpawai ritual.
Brahmin New Year in Bangkok
These three wood carvings, or kradan, bearing the images of four deities, are the work of artisans from the early Rattanakosin era.
Brahmin New Year in Bangkok
A ritual to bid farewell to Shiva.
Brahmin New Year in Bangkok
Children with traditional hairstyles attend a tonsure ritual, which marks the end of Brahmin New Year. The removal of the hair signifies the rite of passage from childhood to adulthood.
Brahmin New Year in Bangkok
An anxious boy tries to keep calm as his parents shave his hair off.