BANGKOK: Sri Maha Mariamman Temple, commonly known as Wat Khaek on Bangkok’s Silom Road, will hold its annual Navaratri programme from October 10–22, 2026. The Vijaya Dasami procession is scheduled to leave the temple at 7.30pm on Tuesday, October 20.
The annual Vijaya Dasami procession celebrates the goddess Durga’s victory over Mahishasura. Hindu tradition recounts that Durga fought for nine days and nights before defeating Mahishasura on the tenth day.
The Wat Khaek programme includes preliminary ceremonies on October 10, followed by nine days of Navaratri worship beginning on October 11. All ceremony times are Bangkok local time.
Wat Khaek begins preparatory ceremonies on October 10
Wat Khaek’s opening programme on Saturday, October 10, begins with the annual worship of Ganesha, revered as the great teacher, at 9.30am.
The opening-day rites also honour the deities of the land and the nine planetary deities, and request permission from the goddesses and gods enshrined at Wat Khaek to begin Navaratri. Evening worship starts at 5.30pm, followed by a procession honouring Ganesha, Uma Devi and Kali.
Nine days of Navaratri worship begin on October 11
Wat Khaek marks the first day of Navaratri on Sunday, October 11, with morning worship at 9.30am and evening worship at 5.30pm. The lion flag is raised at approximately 6.30pm as part of ceremonies honouring Durga.
For October 12–19, Wat Khaek follows the same daily timetable:
- 9.30am: Morning worship.
- 5.30pm: Homam fire ritual.
- 7.30pm: Main worship ceremony.
Vijaya Dasami procession leaves Wat Khaek on October 20
Wat Khaek’s annual Vijaya Dasami procession departs from the temple at 7.30pm on Tuesday, October 20, following the nine days of Navaratri worship.
Wat Khaek concludes the programme on Thursday, October 22, with evening worship beginning at 5.30pm. The closing rites include lowering the lion flag and the ceremonial bathing of Brahmin priests and spirit mediums, known as the Yellow Water Festival.
After the closing ceremonies, Brahmin priests at Wat Khaek tie consecrated sacred threads around devotees’ wrists free of charge. - The Nation/ANN
