During the New Year season, Wat Phra Dhammakaya organizes the Dhammayatra (Dhutanga Pilgrimage) Project, a great merit-making event in which a majestic line of monks walks to welcome the New Year, to continue the Buddhist lineage and to honor the resolve (manopanidhana) of Luang Pu Wat Paknam (Phra Mongkolthepmuni, Sodh Candasaro).
Dhammayatra Project (January each year)
The Dhammayatra runs during the New Year season (January each year) with a great procession of monks walking in Dhutanga practice. Along the route, the community joins the monks in merit-making, meeting them at the designated alms stops.
Key activities
- Alms-giving to monks (Tak Bat) at points along the route
- Lantern lighting (Jot Pratheep) for auspiciousness in the New Year
- Offering robes (Phra Trai Jiwon) to temples on the route
- Meditation and listening to Dhamma talks with the monastic community
Why Dhammayatra matters
Dhammayatra revives the ancient tradition of Dhutanga—the voluntary ascetic practice of wandering monks—allowing lay people to make merit directly on the path and to witness the living lineage of Buddhism. It also honors Luang Pu Wat Paknam, the great teacher of the Dhammakaya lineage who practiced Dhutanga in his search for truth.
How to join — On-site and Online
- On-site: Wat Phra Dhammakaya, Khlong Sam, Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani 12120. Check the public alms-schedule at each stop announced by the temple.
- Online: Join via Line OA “@dhammakaya” or watch live broadcasts on the temple’s Facebook page and DMC channel.
Start the year with merit
Begin the new year with dana and the pure joy of giving. See all year-round meritorious events in the Dhammakaya Merit Calendar.
