BANGKOK, Thailand — Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) on 14 December 2025 held a traditional Brahmin ceremonial offering honouring Indra riding the Erawan elephant as part of activities marking the 53rd anniversary of Bangkok’s establishment.
The ceremony was presided over by Mr Narong Ruangsri, Permanent Secretary of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, and took place at Indra-on-Erawan Plaza, in front of the Irawat Phatthana Building, Bangkok City Hall (Din Daeng), at 11:49 a.m.
Also in attendance were Mr Wiput Sriwa-urai, President of the Bangkok Metropolitan Council, members of the council, senior BMA executives, civil servants, and personnel from various departments.
According to the BMA, the day’s rituals began earlier at 10:49 a.m. with ceremonial offerings at the Chai Mongkol City Shrine and the Grandfather–Grandmother Shrine at the Department of Public Works Plaza, Bangkok City Hall (Din Daeng). This was followed at 11:09 a.m. by the main Brahmin rite honouring Indra on Erawan at the Indra-on-Erawan Plaza.
The Indra-on-Erawan figure is a longstanding symbol associated with Bangkok’s governance and protection and is also featured on the city’s official emblem.
As Bangkok Establishment Day is observed annually on 14 December, additional merit-making activities were held earlier in the day at Bangkok City Hall (Sao Chingcha). At 7:00 a.m., an alms-giving ceremony was conducted for 154 monks and novices at Lan Khon Mueang, followed at 9:09 a.m. by a worship ceremony at Phra Phuttha Nawarat Bophit and the offering of divine tributes at the City Shrine “Luang Pu Mongkol Prasat” and the Chinese Shrine “Chao Pho Peng Nam Kim Sai.”
The BMA also organised community and volunteer activities as part of the anniversary observance, including the distribution of essential supplies to vulnerable groups such as the underprivileged, persons with disabilities, and the elderly. The activities were held to dedicate merit to deceased BMA officials and personnel and to promote goodwill among those currently serving the administration.
Did You Know?
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Indra, honoured in this ceremony, originates from ancient Vedic Hindu tradition in India, where he is known as the king of the gods and the deity of rain and thunder.
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In Thailand, Indra—called Phra In (พระอินทร์)—was adopted into royal and state traditions over centuries and remains a key protective symbol of the capital.
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The image of Indra riding the Erawan (Airavata) elephant appears on Bangkok’s official city seal, representing guardianship, justice, and prosperity.
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Thailand’s Brahmin ceremonies, including those held by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, reflect shared Hindu–Buddhist cultural roots between Thailand and India, even though they are civic rather than religious events.
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For many Thai-Indians and Indian expats, these ceremonies highlight how Indic heritage continues to shape Thailand’s public rituals and governance traditions today.