In fact, the Ploughing Ceremony is of Brahman origin and it was practised even before the birht of Lord Buddha who, the a Prince, used to take part in the ceremony. The auspicious day and time are to set by the Royal Brahman astrologers.
During this colouful ceremony, the amount of rainfall to be expected in the coming season is
forcast. The ploughing Lord is offered a choice of three lengths of cloth, all looking
indentical, if his choice is the longest one there will be little rain during the coming year; if it is the shortest one, rain will be plentiful while the one of medium lenght indicates average rain.
After donning the piece of cloth, called "Panung", The Ploughing Lord then ploughs furrows in Sanam Luang with a sacred plough of red and gold drawn by sacred white bulls and followd by four consecrated ladies who carry gold and silver baskets filled with rice seed. Walking alongside the plough are Brahmans who are chanting and blowing conch shells.
When the ploughing is finnished the bulls are presented with seven different food and drink, i.e. rice seed, beans, maize, hays, sesame seed, water and alcoholic liquor. Whatever the bulls choose to eat or
dring, it is forecast that this will be plentiful during the year.
After the ceremony has ended, the crowds scramble for the seeds sown by the Ploughing Lord as the seeds are regarded as thing that will bring the owners wealth and good luck. The farmers will mix the seeds with their own rice to ensure a good crop in the coming year.
