Fascinating Funeral

Last week we were invited by the director of one of the centres to attend the funeral ceremony at the local temple of an important monk. Apparently he died two years ago, and his body has been lying preserved in a glass case at the temple to allow people to come and pay their respects. The funeral ceremony was a big occasion, with people attending from all over the district, as he was very high up in the monkhood.

Waiting for the ceremony to begin. Most people were dressed in white, and the atmosphere was very much one of celebration.

The pathway around the temple that the procession would take had been strewn with banana leaves

 

This structure had been built for the occasion. The glass case would be placed on top at the end of the procession. It represents several different animals, each with its own significance. The elephant head was mechanised and moved from side to side, waggled its ears and rolled its trunk up and down!

The procession arrives

 

There were many groups of people, representing different groups and organisations in the community, each group carrying something different. It was incredibly hot, and I really felt for them as they processed slowly three times round the temple.

 

The local people lining the route were throwing popcorn into the procession. I wonder what used to be used in the past before popcorn was invented!

These monks were throwing coins wrapped in bright paper into the crowd. There was a mad scramble to get as many coins as possible. I think they are supposed to be lucky - I can't imagine anyone was really that desperate for a bit of small change!

 

These chaps were lucky enough to have sunshades!

 

The glass case - it looked heavy!

 

A local school band

 

Preparing to lift the glass case up onto the platform. I didn't take any pictures of the operation itself - I was too busy with my heart in my mouth thinking "Don't drop him!" as they passed first the lid and then the rest of the case, body and all, hand-over-head, first onto the scaffolding and then on to its resting place on the platform. At one point it was at a very precarious and crazy angle, but they got it up there safely, and remarkably smoothly. A great example of many hands making light work!

I was told that he would remain up there until Saturday night, when there would be another ceremony and the body would finally be cremated. I am really glad that we were invited. It is a very rare event, as this sort of ceremony only takes place for the death of very important monks, and I suppose they don't die all that often!