In line with a centuries-old tradition, rites to bless the royal chariots that will be used for the funeral of HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana were held yesterday.

The Princess, the elder sister of HM the King Bhumibol Adulyadej, passed away at the age of 84 on January 2.

A series of grand royal ceremonies will be held in mid-November as part of the Kingdom's plans to bid her a proper farewell.

"Royal chariots are the symbolic vehicles of gods and goddesses, and will be used as a means to see the Princess off to Heaven," said Phra Raja Gura Vamadevamuni.

The chief Brahmin priest at Devasatan Temple played a key role in organising the rites yesterday.

The sacred ritual aims to pay respect to gods, goddesses and the spirits of late monarchs, and to ask for their blessing.

Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat presided over the rites. Also present were Cul-ture Minister Worawat Ua-apinyakul, Culture Ministry permanent secretary Vira Roj-pojchanarat, Army chief Gen-eral Anupong Paochinda and Fine Arts Department director general Grienggrai Sumpat-chalit.

Under Phra Raja Gura Vamadevamuni's instructions, the ritual began at 12.30pm yesterday in front of the structure that houses the royal chariots in the Bangkok National Museum.

Auspicious signs

As the rites got under way, clouds slipped across the glaring sun to leave the ritual ground bathed in cool shade. An orchestra from the Office of Music and Drama gave a solemn musical accompaniment. A little later, Phra Raja Gura Vamadevamuni began chanting prayers, and the bright sun reappeared as if in response.

Somchai placed a garland of flowers on the Phra Maha Pichai Royal Chariot, which the Brahmin priest anointed.

Then, at the auspicious time of 1.29pm, Somchai and senior government officials led soldiers in rolling out the royal chariot from its building.

Representatives from various departments then brought out the smaller chariots.

Phra Raja Gura Vamadeva-muni announced that the ritual had gone smoothly. "This is an auspicious sign," he said.

Somchai said the royal chariots had been restored to their full splendour. "They will be used in rehearsals for the funeral ceremony soon," he added.