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Rice constitutes a staple in most South Asian countries and while in nations such as Thailand, rice is only a component of a meal, in countries such as India and Sri Lanka, rice tends to be the primary focus of any meal and all other curries are considered subsidiary or complementary. Given the radical importance placed by most South Asian and South East Asian countries on this type of grain, it is no surprise that a number of traditional ceremonies conducted throughout centuries tend to focus on the ploughing season. Most such nations place a great degree of importance on celebrating the beginning of the season, the reaping of the grain and often, communities pledge the first meal made from rice, to the gods or other deities they may revere.

Conducted in countries such as Cambodia and Thailand, the Royal Ploughing Ceremony traditionally signalled the commencement of the rice growing season. This ceremony was also known as Lehtun Mingala and Mingala Ledaw and was conducted in countries such as Burma until the monarchy was abolished. In 2013, the Royal Ploughing Ceremony in Thailand was conducted under the patronage of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn and in the presence of the Prime Minister, soothsayers, farmers and locals.

The ceremony includes two oxen who plough a furrow in the ground which is followed by the scattering of rice seeds into the ploughed field. As this ritual was taking place, officials from the Royal Court walk alongside the field blowing conch shells and chanting in the belief that the next harvest will be bountiful.

In appreciation of their service, the oxen are given seven bowls containing a variety of items such as water, liquor, grass, maize, soy bean and sesame seeds and depending on what they eat, the official Royal Brahmins can predict whether the harvest is to be bountiful or not.

Thus for tourists staying in Bangkok serviced apartments during the month of May, the Royal Ploughing Ceremony might be a worthwhile event to attend. After all, travelling should include a pleasant insight into the lives of the locals. For those searching for a serviced apartment in Bangkok to reside in during the course of their stay, Ascott Sathorn Bangkok is an ideal option.

Nigel Walters is a travel writer, who writes under the pen name, Fritzjames Stephen. His content is based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travelers across all walks of life.

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