The government held a seventh-day (Sattamavara) merit-making ceremony on Wednesday to dedicate merit to Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendiradebyavati following her passing.
At Government House, Somdet Phra Buddhajarn, who is a member of the Sangha Supreme Council and abbot of Wat Traimit Witthayaram, presided over the monastic rites, while Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn presided over the lay ceremony.
Cabinet ministers, heads of agencies under the Prime Minister's Office, government officials and representatives of various organisations also attended the ceremony. The lay president lit incense and candles in homage to the Triple Gem and a second set at the royal altar before the princess's portrait, after which 10 senior monks chanted Buddhist scriptures.
The deputy prime minister and cabinet members then presented requisites and food to the monks and participated in traditional funeral rites, meditation and a merit-dedication ceremony.
Following the service, participants offered alms to 20 monks outside the Santi Maitri and Thai Khu Fa buildings at Government House.
The Sattamavara ceremony, observed seven days after a royal passing, is conducted in accordance with royal tradition and Buddhist practice to dedicate merit, honour the princess's benevolence and service, and uphold longstanding royal customs.
The cabinet previously approved merit-making ceremonies to mark the 7th, 15th, 50th and 100th days following the princess's passing on June 11.
Ceremonies will be held in Bangkok, the provinces and overseas, with the Government House ceremony serving as the government's central observance.
