Sart Thai Ceremony 2024

Wat Thai D.C. invites you to join us in a Merit-Making Ceremony:
SART THAI DAY
(Offerings to Monks by Random Number Drawing)

at Wat Thai Washington, D.C.
September 15, 2024
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Wan Sart Thai or Sart Thai Day is observed on the 15th waning moon of the 10th lunar month and traditionally features a merit-making ceremony. This day is believed to be an optimal time for merit dedications to the spirits of ancestors and loved ones. Performing a merit dedication on this day can improve the well-being of the spirits in the heavenly realms.

The term Sart originates from the Pali (Indian language) word Sārada and means “autumnal.” Autumn is also when food crops become ready for harvest. Laypeople customarily use these newly harvested crops to cook food and desserts for monks. This offering serves to appease the spirits and in return results in blessings and an abundant harvest.

Traditional offerings include: Khao Thip (balls of nuts and mixed rice held together by honey and other local sweeteners), Khao Yaku (young rice milk), Khao Mathu Payas (rice pudding/kheer/payasam), and Krayasat (sweetened crispy rice with nuts and sesame).

Schedule

Sunday, September 15, 2024 (13th waxing moon of the 10th lunar month)

10:00 a.m. Merit-making and fruit offering to monks by random draw ceremony
– The chairperson of the ceremony lights the incense and candles to pay homage to the Triple Gem
– Ceremony participants accept the five precepts and perform dedication chantings (Mātikā-Paṃsukūla in Pali) to the deceased loved ones
– Dhamma talks hosted by Phrathepmongkolvajirarangsi (Luangta Chi)
– Fruit offerings are made to ten monks (No alms round)
– Monks rejoice in the merits, marking the end of the ceremony

11:00 a.m. Lunch offerings to the monks
11:30 a.m. Luncheon for the congregation