Mooob
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Princess - 02/12/2008 22:02
Bangkok, Saturday the 15th day of November 2008
Time races, seasons fly
the day of the royal cremation for Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani is upon us at last. We see hundreds of thousands of Thais from all corners of the country, from all walks of life, of all ages, flocking to pay their tribute to a much-loved Princess. Like many who could not be at the ceremonial sites, we are thankful to TV Pool of Thailand for arranging live transmission of the royal ceremony for local audience and to Thai TV Global Network for presenting people in 166 countries worldwide with the chance to capture this historic and cherished moment.
The morning is blessed with a gentle breeze with ribbons of cloud streaking a blue sky.
At 0710 hours, His Majesty the King graciously assigns Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn and Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn to preside over a merit-making ceremony in remembrance of the late Princess at Dusit Maha Prasart Throne Hall (พระที่นั่งดุสิตมหาประสาท) within the compound of the Grand Palace (พระบรมมหาราชวัง). Also present were members of the Royal Family, Thanpuying Tasanavalaya Sornsonggram, the only daughter of the late Princess and family, and Thai dignitaries.
The Crown Prince lights candles and incense sticks in remembrance of the late Princess. He also lights candles and incense sticks to pay homage to the Buddha Image whose attitude represents the day of the birth of the Princess. He presents saffron robes to a chapter of 30 monks. The monks chant prayers as a dedication of merits to the late Princess (สดับปกรณ์, which is บังสุกุล in the case of commoners).
We learn that the fragrant sandalwood (ไม้จันทน์หอม) used to build the Royal Sandalwood Urn (พระโกศจันทน์) for the Princess was obtained from a forest in Kui Buri district, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, Thailand, from three sandalwood trees that had died naturally. The sandalwood is processed into thin sheets and elaborately carved in line with ancient court traditions, signifying the honours and ranks of the late Princess, modeling after the Royal Urn of Her Royal Highness Somdej Phra Srinagarindra Boromarajajonani, the late Princess Mother. The Royal Urn is set on a golden base (พระแท่นสุวรรณเบญจดล), also elaborately adorned, with the seven-tiered white umbrella of state (สัปตปฎลเศวตฉัตร) placed over the Royal Urn in accordance with the royal precedence.
The royal cremation ceremony for Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani comprises six grand processions, with this morning featuring the first three. His Majesty the King graciously assigns the Crown Prince and Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn to represent him in accompanying the Royal Urn in the solemn march, stretching from Dusit Maha Prasart Throne Hall to Sanam Luang ceremonial ground (มณฑลพิธีทองสนามหลวง). Accompanying them are Thanpuying Tasanavalaya Sornsonggram and family, royal relatives, high-ranking officials, royal aides-de-camp, ladies-in-waiting from Le Dix Palace, members of Foundations and Associations under the Royal Patronage of the late Princess, royal pages, and students from schools and institutions under the Royal Patronage of the late Princess, namely Chulalongkorn University, Thammasat University, Kasetsart University, Rachini School, Vajiravudh College, Rachawinit Mattayom School, Kings College and Chitralada School. In addition, there are 340 troops and 34 reserve troops serving as pullers (พลฉุดชัก) of the Royal Chariot and bearers (พลแบกหาม) of the Royal Palanquins, two marching bands of the Royal Thai Army, and musicians playing victory drums, oboes, bugles, trumpets and conch shells, sounding tunes befitting the honours and ranks of the late Princess.
Prior to the first grand procession, Lord Chamberlain of the Royal Household (เลขาธิการสำนักพระราชวัง) asks for the Crown Princes gracious permission to remove the ornate outer golden urn (พระโกศทองใหญ่ or พระลองทองใหญ่), before the inner urn (พระโกศลองใน) is ceremoniously conveyed from the Dusit Maha Prasart Throne Hall to the royal mounting platform (พระแท่นสุวรรณเบญจดล) to the west of the Thorne Hall. Ancient music wails as the Royal Urn leaves the Dusit Maha Prasart Throne Hall, where the Princess has laid in state since 2nd of January 2008.
The officials decorate the inner urn with the outer golden urn (พระลองทองใหญ่) on the royal platform. The Royal Urn is then placed on the Royal Golden Palanquin with Three Poles (พระยานมาศสามลำคาน).
The Royal Urn is closely attended by a court official (เจ้าพนักงานภูษามาลาประคองพระโกศ). The bearers clad in traditional garb carry the Royal Urn through Sunthorn Gate (ประตูศรีสุนทร), Dhevapirom Gate (ประตูเทวาภิรมย์), to where the first grand procession awaits on Maha Rat Road (ถนนมหาราช). In front of Dhevapirom Gate, the seven-tiered white umbrella of state (สัปตปฎลเศวตฉัตร) is raised over the Royal Urn.
At 0832 hours, the first grand procession starts.
Phra Phrom Muni from Wat Bavornnives (พระพรหมมุนี วัดบวรนิเวศวิหาร, representing His Holiness the Supreme Patriarch), seated on the Lotus Petal Royal Palanquin (เสลี่ยงกลีบบัว the royal palanquin with two poles), leads the Royal Urn, reading chapters from Abhidharma Buddhist scriptures (พระอภิธรรม).
 
The Crown Prince walks behind the Royal Urn, followed by Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, Thanpuying Tasanavalaya, and the cortege. At the end of the procession walks the Naliwan, or Brahmin priests.
Tens of thousands of people dressed in the mourning colours of black and white line the route from the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall to Salam Luang ceremonial ground, to pay respects to their beloved Princess and witness the grandeur of the event. Some mourners arrive before dawn to find the best place to watch the procession. The beat of traditional music reverberates solemnly in the air.
The first grand procession travels along Maha Rat Road, Tai Wang Road (ถนนท้ายวัง), to in front of Wat Phra Chetupon Wimonmangkhalaram (วัดพระเชตุพนวิมลมังคลาราม or วัดโพธิ์) on Sanam Chai Road (ถนนสนามชัย).
The second grand procession which is the grandest embraces the passage of the Royal Urn from Sanam Chai Road to Sanam Luang ceremonial ground through Ratchadamnoen Nai Road (ถนนราชดำเนินใน). At 0902 hours, the Royal Golden Palanquin with Three Poles arrives in front of Wat Phra Chetupon Wimonmangkhalaram on Sanam Chai Road. Court attendants pay homage to the late Princess before moving the Royal Urn from the Royal Palanquin onto the traditional ramp/inclined plan which railings are carved in the shape of the Great Serpent or the Great Naga (เกรินบันไดนาค). At this point, His Majesty the King graciously assigns the Crown Prince to offer 20 sets of saffron robes to monks from Wat Phra Chetupon in dedication of the merits to the late Princess. The Crown Prince lays the saffron robes at the base of the Royal Urn, resting on the traditional ramp/inclined plane.
Court attendants pay homage to the late Princess before the Royal Urn is drawn, gracefully and meticulously, by pulleys onto the intricately crafted Royal Great Victory Chariot (พระมหาพิชัยราชรถ) then placed on the roofed throne (บุษบก). Leading the second grand procession are guards of honour (กองเกียรติยศ). Phra Phrom Muni from Wat Bavornnives leads the Royal Urn on the Ratcharot Noi (ราชรถน้อย), reading chapters from Abhidharma (พระอภิธรรม), followed by the officials carrying royal umbrellas and regalia.
Captain Jitas, the grandson of the late Princess, carries the royal offering (เครื่องทองน้อย - a set of receptacles used to place incense sticks, candles and flowers as offerings to the Buddha, and/or celestial beings. It is used in general royal merit-making ceremonies to mark the beginning of the events), leading 16 male royal relatives bearing the late Princess's royal utensils and decorations.
Closely attended by two court officials (เจ้าพนักงานภูษามาลาประคองพระโกศ), and drawn by 216 pullers, the Royal Great Victory Chariot travels along Sanam Chai Road and Ratchadamnoen Nai Road (ถนนราชดำเนินใน), to Sanam Luang ceremonial ground, covering a distance of two kilometres. It is a symbolic, heartwarming arrangement here that the person who acts as the driver of the Royal Chariot, holding pea*** features, is the royal chauffeur of the late Princess.
The atmosphere is one of deep sadness as the traditional lament Pleng Phya Sok (เพลงพญาโศก) composed by His Royal Highness the late Prince Paribatra Sukhumbhandhu, Prince of Nakhon Sawan (สมเด็จพระเจ้าบรมวงศ์เธอ เจ้าฟ้าบริพัตรสุขุมพันธ์ กรมพระนครสวรรค์วรพินิต), in 1910, is played by the Royal Thai Army marching band.
The second grand procession ends at Sanam Luang Central Road (ถนนเส้นกลาง สนามหลวง). Court attendants pay homage to the late Princess before moving the Royal Urn with pomp and ceremony from the Royal Great Victory Chariot (พระมหาพิชัยราชรถ), onto the Royal Golden Palanquin with Three Poles (พระยานมาศสามลำคาน) by the traditional ramp/inclined plane (เกรินบันไดนาค), before entering Sanam Luang ceremonial ground.
The third grand procession is formed at the ceremonial fence at the entrance to the Royal Crematorium (ประตูราชวัติทางเข้าพระเมรุ) to accompany the Royal Urn as it cir***navigates the Royal Crematorium in a counterclockwise direction three times (เวียนพระเมรุโดยอุตราวัฎ (เวียนซ้าย) ๓ รอบ). Phra Phrom Muni from Wat Bavornnives leads the procession on the Lotus Petal Royal Palanquin (เสลี่ยงกลีบบัว), chanting Abhidharma (พระอภิธรรม). The Crown Prince, Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, Princess Chulabhorn, Princess Ubolratana, Thanpuying Tasanavalaya and family, royal relatives, and the cortege accompany the Royal Urn on foot.
At the end of the third cir***ambulation, the Royal Golden Palanquin with Three Poles (พระยานมาศสามลำคาน) bearing the Royal Urn halts at the traditional ramp/inclined plane (เกรินบันไดนาค). Court attendants pay homage to the late Princess before moving the Royal Urn from the royal palanquin to the ramp.
The Royal Urn is drawn, elegantly and meticulously, by pulleys up to the Royal Crematorium, onto the Royal Funeral Pyre (พระจิตกาธาน or เชิงตะกอน), which is adorned with freshly carved banana stalks, carved fresh vegetables and flowers net curtain. The officials close the folding fire screens and curtains before removing the ornate outer covering of the Royal Urn in the Ho Pluang (หอเปลื้อง), and arrange the Royal Sandalwood Urn on the Royal Funeral Pyre. The Crown Prince enters the Royal Crematorium, lights candles and incense sticks in remembrance of the Princess. He then proceeds to the royal car and departs.
This provides a gracious finale to the first three grand processions, with cannons booming at one-minute intervals and traditional music resonates in the air throughout the solemn march.
A breathtaking display of pomp and pageantry, majestic splendour, we see Thai ancient culture and traditions coming to life. Everything looks beautiful, magnificent, immaculate, graceful, awe-inspiring, as we pay tributes to our beloved Princess. Embracing a moment such as this, we feel a renewed sense of patriotism, of optimism, of purpose, of hope, of being Thais. We feel connected and bask in the bliss of unity, wishing that the moment would last forever. We gaze admiringly at the capital city which is our home and are reminded how sublime it could look in the morning glow. The feeling is one of serenity with an overflowing sense of love and longing combined. Somehow we could embrace the warmth in the hearts of hearts of all those who are closest to the Princess as well as the rest of us present at the ceremonial site as well as across the nation and in other corners of the world.
Witnessing various stages of the grand, solemn march also reminds us how important all the rehearsals are. Everything has to be done with great precision, every delicate detail matters. Here we learn that the Fine Arts Department has been commissioned to make all the elaborate preparations for this historic event. It has taken seven months and over 200 artisans to prepare the ceremonial grounds, comprising the Royal Crematorium and the accompanying structures, as well as to decorate the royal chariots and palanquins to bear the royal urn and paraphernalia, not to mention all the last-minute preparations including the net curtain decorated with freshly carved banana stalks, vegetables and flowers, which must be finished only a few hours before the royal cremation takes place.
We learn that Thai people in former days held to the three planes of existence in the Buddhist cosmology, with Mount Meru as the center of the universe, surrounded by heavenly abodes and the habitats of humans and animals. Since the Ayuthaya period, the royal crematorium has been modeled as Mount Meru as it is described in the Traiphuum Phra Ruang (ไตรภูมิพระร่วง - Story of Three Planes of Existence, composed by King Thammaracha I, or King Lithai of the Sukhothai period, around 1345). Shaped like a castle, facing west, the Royal Crematorium rests on a square base, surrounded by supplementary structures, in the form of a temple hall with corridors, called Thap Kaset, and Sang or Samsang, the four corner pavilions for monks chanting prayers. The main structure of the Royal Crematorium is made of steel and the wood used is plywood, which is light and inexpensive. Paper is used, fiberglass is used, and the gold used for ornamentation is gold fabric from China, which is used generously as gold colour suggests brightness and purity. Opposite the Royal Crematorium is the Royal Merit-Making Pavilion (พระที่นั่งทรงธรรม), for Their Majesties the King and Queen. The Royal Cremation Ceremony, like many other ceremonies in Thailand, is a blend of Brahmin and Buddhist practices.
One wondrous sight surrounding the Royal Crematorium is a gorgeous, meticulously-kept garden, beaming with flowers, mainly in bluish-purple since blue is the favourite colour of the late Princess. Eighty-four different types of flowers have been brought directly from Mae Fah Luang Foundation in the North, to Bangkok. We see hydrangeas, dahlias, petunias, lisianthuis, and so many other different types, mostly in blue and lavender, blooming sweetly, decorating the occasion with love and a fresh, vibrant atmosphere. There are also white orchids in profusion. It looks as if a fairy godmother has waved her magic wand over Sanam Luang ceremonial ground and all the flowers suddenly spring up to greet us overnight. However, we know that a great of deal of tender loving care has gone into nurturing the garden to celebrate the Princesss love for flowers. To keep these temperate flowers fresh and vibrant-looking for longer, an automated misting system is used for the purpose. It gives a cooling effect even to us, the audience, as a fine mist emerges from the ground, swirling gently around the flowers, nestling them within its embrace.
Around the ceremonial grounds the Tung (ตุงไชย - northern handmade flags that lead people to the stairway to heaven or goodness) from Nan Province flutter in the wind. The late Princess supported women in Nan province to weave these Tung. She also has a royal residence in Nan Province.
At a little after 1630 hours, the cremation rites take place in the Royal Merit-Making Pavilion (พระที่นั่งทรงธรรม), which is located to the west of the Royal Crematorium. Present in this and other pavilions were members of the Royal Family, the Privy Council, the Cabinet, Parliament, as well as high-ranking officials from the military forces and Thai and foreign dignitaries including members of the diplomatic corps.
At 1700 hours, the royal motorcade bearing Their Majesties the King and Queen arrive at Sanam Luang ceremonial ground. The royal anthem plays and the royal guards salute. Their Majesties proceed to the Royal Pavilion (พระที่นั่งทรงธรรม), accompanied by the Crown Prince and Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn and other members of the Royal Family. His Majesty the King lights candles and incense sticks to pay homage to the Buddha Shrine.
The mood is very solemn.
His Majesty the King graciously assigns the Crown Prince to perform the merit-making ceremony. Heading the chapter of 50 senior monks from across the country is Somdej Phra Puttajarn (สมเด็จพระพุฒาจารย์ เกี่ยว อุปเสโณ). Thereafter, the Crown Prince, graciously representing His Majesty the King, proceeds to the Royal Crematorium to light the candle of the royal offering (ทรงจุดเทียนเครื่องทองน้อย) placed in front of the Royal Urn then returns to the Royal Pavilion (พระที่นั่งทรงธรรม). Phra Phrom Muni from Wat Bavornnives (พระพรหมมุนี วัดบวรนิเวศวิหาร) preaches the sermon, extolling the life and work of the late Princess. He also highlights the four basic elements that sustain life, namely place to live, food to take, medicine to remedy, and clothing to keep warm, reminding everyone to be prepared, to stay focused, to be more conscious in life, and to practice loving kindness so as to live together in harmony, among others. Fifty monks chant prayers in dedication of the merits to the late Princess (สดับปกรณ์), echoing the words of the sermon.
The Crown Prince presents to the senior monks a set of mementos consisting of tea cups and a teapot, a clock, and a lantern with the royal emblem of the late Princess. Their Majesties the King and Queen perform the water-pouring ceremony dedicating merits to the late Princess. The Crown Prince presents saffron robes to the senior monks. The monks bid farewell to Their Majesties the King and Queen and leave the pavilion.
Just as the sun drops below the horizon, the afterglow shifts through a palette of pink, orange, purple, as the lights adorning the Royal Crematorium come aglow. Set against a backdrop of the majestic grandeur of the Grand Palace and the sacred, impressively elegant Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the Royal Crematorium stands gracefully, serenely against the sunset sky, resembling a heavenly abode in full splendour.
  
Here we have the honour and privilege of seeing the Royal Crematorium closely as it stands resplendent in elaborate, exquisite decorations, guarded by angels, boasting priceless Thai ancient traditions, each gentle stroke imbued with a loving touch of dedicated and talented artists. Inside, we see the Royal Urn resting peacefully on the Royal Funeral Pyre, adorned by freshly carved net curtain. We also see folding fire screens (ฉากบังเพลิง), standing in pairs, two on each side of the four directions, depicting celestial scenes with heavenly beings holding the royal regalia or musical instruments, the royal initials of the late Princess, GV, featuring on the front, and Kaeo Galya (ดอกแก้วกัลยา), the flower of the late Princess, featuring both in the front and lower parts. The screen is used to cover the pyre when required. Artists from Bunditpatanasilpa Institute employ acrylic on canvas and glaze the paintings with fixative to make them more durable.
As the ceremonial grounds begin to light up amid the setting sun, Their Majesties the King and Queen, accompanied by the Crown Prince and Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, proceed to the Royal Crematorium and ascend to the top level via a special lift fitted to the western side of the Royal Crematorium, to light the fire for the symbolic cremation.
His Majesty the King places a bouquet of sandalwood flowers (ดอกไม้จันทร์) in front of the royal urn, pays his respects, while monks chant prayers, guards of honour from the three armed forces salute, with taps played on a bugle, and 21 shots fired from rifles in honour of the occasion, and court musicians sound their instruments. Her Majesty the Queen places her bouquet of sandalwood flowers in front of the Royal Urn and pays her respects to the late Princess.
The atmosphere is one of deep sadness.
The camera lingers on His Majesty the King. One wonders what kind of thoughts is racing through his mind at a moment when he is about to bid farewell to a much-loved sister, the only elder sibling he had left, a stalwart and sensitive supporter, who stood by him through thick and think since their younger days. He turns, reaches out and takes the Queens hand, and our hearts warm.
With a heart heavy with longing and stricken with sorrow, the King lights the symbolic flame. Close royal relatives take turns to place bouquets of sandalwood flowers in front of the royal urn and pay their respects to the late Princess.
Their Majesties the King and Queen return to the front balcony of the royal pavilion (พระที่นั่งทรงธรรม) via the same route, accompanied by the Crown Prince and Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, and other members of the Royal Family. Somdej Phra Puttajarn (สมเด็จพระพุฒาจารย์ เกี่ยว อุปเสโณ) and other senior monks proceed to the Royal Crematorium to lay sandalwood flowers in front of the Royal Urn, followed by Thai and foreign dignitaries including President and members of the Privy Council, Prime Minister, former Prime Ministers, Presidents of the two houses of Parliament, President of the Supreme Court, members of the Cabinet, and members of the diplomatic corps.
Members of the general public join in the ceremony by laying sandalwood flowers on trays placed in front of the portrait of the late Princess set up in different spots around Sanam Luang ceremonial ground. More than 250,000 sandalwood flowers prepared by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration for the public, are given out. Simultaneous events are held at various temples in Bangkok, while people throughout the country also lay sandalwood flowers at recently built crematoriums in temples across the country. At Sanam Luang ceremonial ground, we see people from all walks of life looking up towards the portrait of the Princess while laying their sandalwood flowers as if to memorize her face for eternity then pay their homage, bidding their last farewell, and asking for her blessing.
At 1918 hours, Their Majesties the King and Queen rise and proceed to the royal car.
At 1930 hours, the royal motorcade leaves the ceremonial grounds, as royal guards salute and the royal anthem plays, concluding the symbolic royal cremation for the late Princess.
Funeral entertainments on the three stages set up on Sanam Luang ceremonial ground resume as the time for the cremation proper nears. Representing an age-old tradition, funeral entertainments for Ok Phra Mane Ceremony (การแสดงมโหรศพสมโภชงานออกพระเมรุ Ok Phra Mane is the solemn act of transferring the royal remains by the processions of honour from the Grand Palace to the Sanam Luang ceremonial ground for the cremation) are designed for the general public while simultaneously marking the end of an official mourning period. They also manifest the power of the reigning monarch. In ancient times Ok Phra Mane was a major national event lasting 3, 5, 7, 9, or 15 days, to suit the cir***stances. At present, the ceremony is confined to a set period.
The northern stage features grand shadow plays (หนังใหญ่) and mask plays (โขน), depicting episodes from the Thai epic Ramakien or the Indian epic Ramayana. The eastern stage features western classical music (this is the first time that western classical music is performed during a royal cremation ceremony to celebrate the love of the late Princess for art music), featuring various orchestras, namely Thailand Youth Symphony Orchestra (วงดุลยางค์เยาวชนไทย) and Chulalongkorn University Symphony Orchestra (วงซิมนีออร์เคสตร้าแห่งจุฬาลงกรณ์มหาวิทยาลัย) under the Royal Patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Krom Luang Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra; National Symphony Orchestra (วงดุริงยางค์สากล) of the Office of the Performing Arts (สำนักการสังคีด), Fine Arts Department (กรมศิลปากร); artists from the Harp Centre of Tamnak Prathom Heritage School (ศิลปินจากศูนย์ฮาร์ฟตำหนักประถม); as well as Combined Civil, Police, and Military Orchestra (วงดุริยางค์ผสมพลเรือน ตำรวจ และทหาร). The western stage features puppet shows by Office of the Performing Arts, Fine Arts Department, performing three episodes of Phra Aphai Mani (พระอภัยมณี); theatrical puppetry featuring performances by the Traditional Thai Puppet Theater (Joe Louis - หุ่นละครเล็กของคณะโจหลุยส์) under the royal patronage of the late Princess, performing The Birth of Ganesha (กำเนิดพระคเณศร์); and traditional theatrical performances (ละครนอก) performing six episodes of Suwannahong (สุวรรณหงส์). The entertainments start in the afternoon, pause for the symbolic cremation ceremony and the cremation proper, continue until the wee small hours of Sunday morning, lasting until the last evening of this six-day historic event which is Wednesday, 19th of November 2008.
At 2130 hours, we see the Crown Prince waiting to receive Their Majesties the King and Queen.
At 2141 hours, the royal motorcade arrives at Sanam Luang ceremonial ground. Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn hurries from her car which follows immediately behind to help His Majesty the King out of the car while the Crown Prince keeps very close by. Their Majesties the King and Queen proceed to the Royal Crematorium using the special lift to ascend to the top level accompanied by the Crown Prince and Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.
Inside the crematorium, the Royal Urn and its ornate base have been removed. Their Majesties King and Queen and other close royal relatives proceed to the chamber where the casket containing the royal remains of the late Princess is kept. As this is an extremely private family moment, the TV camera keeps a respectable distance throughout the ceremony.
We see His Majesty gently pouring the juice of fresh coconut (น้ำมะพร้าวแก้ว) into the casket which is based on an ancient belief that the purity of coconut juice cleanses the soul of the deceased of any impurities, thus facilitating the passage to everlasting peace in Heaven. Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn hands His Majesty a red velvet box. When His Majesty opens the box we can just make out that the box contains a CD which one presumes could be classical music which is a favourite of the late Princess. Another item in the box looks like a gold picture frame. With a gentle hand and a loving touch His Majesty puts the box in the royal casket. The moment provides yet another heartwarming insight into the affection and fondness that His Majesty has for the late Princess.
The Crown Prince efficiently organizes the transfer of the royal casket into the crematorium. His Majesty the King lights the flame initiating the actual cremation with the help of Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. A high-power gas burner is used for combustion and cremation for the first time.
The flame is ablaze ... the fire begins to roar with all its might ... the atmosphere is one of deep sadness
sorrow is in our hearts of hearts ...
Her Majesty the Queen lays a bouquet of sandalwood flowers on the Royal Funeral Pyre.
 
His Majesty the King gently beckons Thanpuying Tasanavalaya over, wanting her to bid farewell to her beloved mother before other members of the Royal Family doing away with order of precedence - a sweet, heartwarming departure from the established practice. Thanpuying Tasanavalaya lays a bouquet of sandalwood flowers on the Royal Funeral Pyre, turns round and kneels down to pay her salutations to His Majesty the King, basking in the warmth of his overwhelming kindness. His Majesty bends down to embrace Thanpuying Tasanavalaya, his first niece. This is a very moving moment overflowing with warmth, affection and empathy. The moment is precious and speaks volumes louder than any spoken word.
  
The Crown Prince lays his bouquet of sandalwood flowers on the Royal Funeral Pyre, bidding his final farewell. At His Majestys royal command, Captain Jitas, the grandson of the late Princess, is the next to bid farewell, followed by Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn and other close royal relatives.
(33) After several heartrending moments over which His Majesty King lingers longingly, holding onto Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorns arm, while close royal relatives take turns to bid farewell to the late Princess, Their Majesties the King and Queen accompanied by the Crown Prince and Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn return to the front balcony of the royal pavilion (พระที่นั่งทรงธรรม), using the special lift.
At 1015 p.m. we see performers from Fine Arts Department and Joe Louis Thai Puppet Theatre approaching the royal pavilion (พระที่นั่งทรงธรรม), walking in file. Once in front of the royal pavilion, the performers kneel down in unison to pay their salutations to Their Majesties the King and Queen before turning towards the Royal Crematorium to gracefully pay their respects to the late Princess.
So begins the mask plays in front of the fire (โขนหน้าไฟ) which is part of the Ok Phra Mane (ออกพระเมรุ) ceremony. The three colourful Khon performances by the Fine Arts Department depict various episodes from the Ramakien epic, each vividly reflecting Thailands rich culture, ingenuity and creativity. The costumes are very colourful and richly embroidered. The Ramakien is widely regarded as a treatise of moral teaching and dharma which has exerted a civilizing effect on many societies of South and Southeast Asia, and is full of lessons for the modern society. The two theatrical puppet performances by the Traditional Thai Puppet Theater (Joe Louis) are also very colourful and spectacular. The puppets are beautifully crafted. Each puppet requires the synchronized efforts of three puppeteers who control the puppets spindle, arms and legs to produce highly animated and life-like movements. The synchronized gestures are graceful and require dexterity. We learn here that it was the late Princess who bestowed the name Joe Louis on the puppet theatre and accepted their invitation to be their patroness.
His Majestys love of photography comes alive with a small camera in his hands ... it's a shame really that no one seems to have captured this mood of His Majesty that we are so familiar with ... and treasure ...
At 0040 hours, Their Majesties the King and Queen accompanied by the Crown Prince and Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn return to the Royal Crematorium. The fire has abated. His Majesty presents saffron robes to the monks. Ten senior monks chant prayers in dedication of merits to the late Princess (สดับปกรณ์). His Majesty holds onto Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorns arm while the Crown Prince keeps very close by.
At 0105 hours, Their Majesties the King and Queen proceed to the front of the Royal Crematorium. They stand in front of the Royal Crematorium for quite a while, engaged in a lively conversation. Its a heartwarming moment, with a few glimpses of His Majesty's sad-looking smiles ...
Their Majesties the King and Queen accompanied by the Crown Prince and Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn use the special lift to descend to the ground level. We see Her Majesty pecking the Crown Prince affectionately on the cheek.
They say goodnight.
Their Majesties the King and Queen leave the ceremonial grounds as the royal anthem plays and royal guards salute, thus providing a finale to the most gracious, loving, heartwarming, colourful, wondrous, magnificent display of age-old ceremonies and traditions, in dedication of a much-loved Princess.
  
Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana displayed kindness with the love and passion for life and for people throughout her long and remarkable life. Her life, spanning over 80 years, was devoted to the service of her country, the fulfilment of her Royal duties and the support of her family. She traveled widely, read extensively, and loved arts. She always seemed gloriously unstoppable, exuding joie de vivre. She said that she didnt feel the pang of ageing until she turned 80
at the time when her daughter convinced her to take a year off, only to find that the milestones would simply flash by soon after that. She lived by example, inspiring generations of Thais with her wisdom, natural grace, panache, an indomitable spirit, humility, beauty of simplicity, a lifetime of learning, a strong sense of service, and a willingness to live beyond herself. Above all, her heart belongs to this land of ours, enriching lives, making us believe in the goodness of people while challenging us to strive each day to use the many gifts we have within us in worthy ways.
Her life is a lantern of light ... a reminder that "Life is not a race, but a journey to be savoured every step of the way" ... Her departure may have left a deep void in countless lives but it also serves to remind us that our lives are all the richer and fuller for the joy and privilege of her presence and everything she stood for.
Above a radiant moon glows
In our hearts we know that Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana is looking down upon us from her heavenly abode, and would be watching over us always.
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NB: For a beautiful collection of pictures, you may wish visit the website http://www.princessgalyani.com/th/November15.aspx for all the pictures.
PS: Tomorrow, Sunday 16th November 2008, the fourth grand procession will bring the royal relics and ashes from the Royal Crematorium to the Grand Palace, via Sanam Luang Central Road, Ratchadamnoen Nai Road and Na Phra Lan Road (ถนนหน้าพระลาน), through Wiset Chaisi Gate (ประตูวิเศษไชยศรี), into the Grand Palace. On Monday 17th November 2008, a royal merit-making ceremony for the royal relics will be held at Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall, followed by the fifth grand procession which will bring the Royal Relics Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall for enshrinement in the Heavenly Abode at the Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall (พระที่นั่งจักรีมหาปาสาท). The procession will form at Amorn Withi Road (ถนนอมรวิถี), in front of Phiman Chaisi Gate (ประตูพิมานไชยศรี). The sixth grand procession which is the last will take place on Wednesday 19th November 2008, bringing the Royal Ashes to the Royal Cemetery (สุสานหลวง) at Wat Ratchabophit Sathit-Mahasimaram (วัดราชบพิธสถิตมหาสีมารามราชวรวิหาร). The procession will form at Phra Si Rattana Chedi (พระศรีรัตนเจดีย์) at Temple of the Emerald Buddha (วัดพระศรีรัตนศาสดาราม or วัดพระแก้ว), through Wiset Chaisi Gate, onto Na Phra Lan Road, along Sanam Chai Road, Kanlayanamaitri Road (ถนนกัลยาณไมตรี), Atsadang Road (ถนนอัษฎางค์), Ratchabophit Road (ถนนราชบพิธ), bound for Rangsi Vadhana Memorial (อนุศรณ์สถานรังษีวัฒนา) within the compound of Wat Ratchabophit.
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