Every year on April 6, Thailand celebrates a public holiday in honor of the founding of the ruling royal dynasty, Chakri Memorial Day.
The Chakri dynasty has ruled the country since 1782 (it was this year that Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke, or Rama I, proclaimed himself king on April 6 at the Wat Pho Temple in Bangkok) and is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the longest-reigning dynasty in existence.
On Chakri Dynasty Day, His Majesty the King and the entire royal family lead a religious ceremony held at the Royal Chapel. The meaning of this ceremony is to commemorate deceased ancestors.
The king then pays tribute to his ancestors in the Royal Pantheon and lays wreaths on the memorial bridge to the monument to King Rama I — to the founder of the Chakri dynasty, who was known as a talented statesman, legislator, poet and Buddhist. Therefore, the period of his reign is usually called the revival of the state and Thai culture.
On the holiday itself, the Prime Minister, ministers, high-ranking officials, students, representatives of public and private organizations, as well as people from various segments of the population, take part in the laying of wreaths and pay tribute to the memory of not only Rama I, but also all the great monarchs of the country who devoted most of their lives to improving the well-being of their subjects.