(Thailand Local Custom at Uttaradit)
An effigy of the Buddha's body
On week after the anniversary of the death of the Lord Buddha, is Attamee Puja Day, corresponding to the 8th day of the 6th waning moon. In Lublae district of Uttaradit province, "The Cremation of the Lord Buddha" is held. In this ceremony, the villagers create an effigy of the Lord Buddha from bamboo, woven in a sleeping posture measuring about 9 cubits long. The effigy is covered with papier-mache and dressed in yellow robes. The effigy's face is created from plaster of Paris. The body is then laid in a glass coffin. An elegant crematorium is also specially built for the occasion.
This cremation has been a tradition for over 1 00 years. It was created by Luang Phor Maen, the first khmer abbot of Phra Borom Dhatu Tung Yang temple. The event was discontinued after the second World War, due to the poor economic situation.
In 1968, a chief of Ban Tung Yang, revived the tradition. With the support of the people of Lublae district and other agencies, it has since become a well-known national event.
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