Wat Arun to become 'paradise' for ceremony

The temple’s assistant abbot, Phra Khru Arun Thammanuwat, said officials were rushing to make the landscape look as if the King, as an avatar of a Hindu god, has come down to earth to present krathin robes to the monks.
His Majesty, however, has assigned HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn to represent him at the ceremony, which will mark the end of the Buddhist Lent on November 9.
The assistant abbot said flowers and trees will be used to decorate the grounds, and that the buildings and chapel will be repainted and altars will be set up to look like those of Hindu gods.
Phra Khru Arun said the 60 senior monks participating in the ceremony would hold rehearsals of prayer chanting on Monday and Wednesday. They will also be trained in how to wear their robes correctly as well as given instructions on holding their monastic ranking fans so the ceremony can be held in line with the ancient tradition.
The monk said two spots will be cordoned off in the temple complex so some 400 people can watch the ceremony first-hand, while others will be able to see it on giant screens set up outside.
Meanwhile, Wijit Chaiwichit from the Fine Arts Department said yesterday that the royal barges were ready for a full dress rehearsal.