Chakri Day
Observed on April 6th annually, Chakri Day is a holiday observed in Thailand. Also known as Chakri Memorial Day, this holiday commemorates the creation of the Chakri Dynasty in 1782 by Phra Buddha Yodfa. Although this holiday commemorates the coronation of Rama I, it is also a time for the people of Thailand to recognize the contributions of all the dynasty’s kings and to celebrate the Royal family.
Thailand (National holiday)The History of Chakri Day
The current reigning dynasty of the Kingdom of Thailand is the Chakri Dynasty, and the family has ruled Thailand since the founding of the city of Bangkok and the Rattanakosin Era in 1782. This royal house was founded by Rama I, and for years before his ascension to the throne, he held the title of Chakri – a civil chancellor. When he founded the dynasty, he chose the name Chakri for the house, and the emblem was made of the Sudarshana Chakra and the Trishula – two symbolic weapons of the gods Shiva and Vishnu.
One of the first acts of Rama I was to make Bangkok – known as Krung Thep back then – the capital of Siam (Thailand). This holiday was founded to celebrate not only the commemoration of King Rama I but also to celebrate all the kings that have followed him. In 2016, King Vajiralongkorn became the 10th king of the Chakri Dynasty and is known as Rama X. He succeeded his father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, in October of that year.
Interesting Facts About the Kings of Thailand’s Chakri Dynasty
In observance of Chakri Day, we’ve decided to list some of the facts we’ve learned about the Kings of the Chakri Dynasty. So let’s jump right into these facts and see what we can learn about the Ramas.
- King Phra Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke, or Rama I, was born in 1737 and died in 1809.
- Rama I ruled for 27 years and is known for repelling the last major Burmese attack on Siam during the Nine Armies’ War.
- King Phra Buddha Loetla Nabhalai, or Rama II, lived from 1767 to 1824.
Observing Chakri Day
When this holiday rolls around on April 6th, it is celebrated with a lot of enthusiasm by the Royal Family of the Kingdom of Thailand. Government offices, schools, and banks are closed on this day. Most businesses, on the other hand, are usually in operation and are unaffected by any celebrations that might be going on. Since this holiday falls three days before the Songkran Festival, some people take this period as an opportunity to travel to festivities across the country.
Usually, the King of Thailand supervises the religious ceremonies that commemorate the contributions of the Chakri Dynasty. The King will also visit the Royal Pantheon. Once he is at the Royal Pantheon, he will then lay a wreath at King Rama I’s statue. He will then take the time to pay respect to his predecessors in the Dynasty. The Royal Pantheon, also known as Wat Phra Kaew, has lifelike full-size statues of previous kings and houses the statue of the Emerald Buddha.
Thailand (National holiday)
