The religious ceremony was performed by a group of senior monks.

HM King Maha Vajiralongkorn also led the “wien thien” rite of circumambulation around the main hall of the temple. He was accompanied by Her Royal Highness Princess Bajra Kitiyabha.

Despite rain, thousands of people gathered outside and inside the Grand Palace compound to wait for the King.

Buddhist prayers and the “wien thien” rite were held at the same time in other provinces throughout the country to mark Visakha Bucha Day.

Also known as Vesak, the Buddhist holy day is observed by worshippers of the Theravada tradition in many other countries, mostly in Asia. Sometimes informally called “Buddha’s Birthday”, it commemorates the birth, enlightenment and death of Lord Buddha.