The Nation (Thailand)
BANGKOK, THAILAND, January 23, 2005: Hindus in Thailand honor Lord Siva every January in a grand festival called the Swing Festival. The origin of the festival dates back to a time when King Rama I orchestrated the celebration on the public grounds in Bangkok framed by Wat Suthat and the Brahmin temple Thewa Sathaan. During the reign of King Rama II, the festival was abolished because the Giant Swing was structurally damaged by lightning. After 100 years it was repaired in 1920 and the celebrations continued until 1935. The article explains, “Formerly the festival was held in all major towns of the Kingdom. Today the ceremony is limited to indoor celebrations in the three Brahmin temples dedicated to Siva, Ganesha and Vishnu. Nowadays the Swing Festival is celebrated over 14 days with an additional day for the Buddhist-influenced Top-Knot Cutting Ceremony for children. The guru presiding over the rites invites the Gods Siva, Uma and Ganesha to come to the temple. Four Brahmins perform the welcoming ceremony by offering consecrated fruit and rice that will later be distributed to the people. The Gods of the Earth, Sun, Water and Moon are invited to visit. This was also the day when, in olden times, the Giant Swing was performed. In an elaborate ritual, which includes bathing and anointing the images of Siva, Uma and Ganesha, the departure of the Gods will be prepared. Eventually the images will be placed on the cradle of a small swing in the Siva temple. The Brahmin will recite hymns and send the Gods back to Their celestial residence by gently swaying the swing.” The news release also explains how the festival was originally celebrated in Thailand. Research conducted by Prince Bidyalongkorn in the 1930’s attempted to trace the origins of the festival in India. However, no traces of the festival are left in India.