In the ceremonies that were broadcast live on TV pool, provincial governors chaired the rites to collect waters in 76 provinces from 11.52am to 12.38pm.

In the province where there are more than one source of sacred waters, deputy governors chaired the rites.

The water to be used in the purification bath was collected from five key rivers around the country and from four ancient ponds in Suphan Buri.

The rivers – together referred to as Bencha Suttha Khongkha and representing five rivers in India, the origin of these traditions – are the Bang Pakong, Pasak, Chao Phraya, Ratchaburi and Phetchaburi. The four ponds are Sa Ket, Sa Kaeo, Sa Khongkha and Sa Yamuna.

For the anointing, water was drawn from 107 different sources in 76 provinces and from the Satrakom Hall in the Grand Palace. The waters from all sources will be ritually consecrated at the principle temple in each province on Monday.

At each source, the provincial governors used a special brass spoon to collect the water.

Local residents crowded at each site of the sacred waters to observe the ancient rituals.