ABSTRACT
The Brahmanical Sacrifice of the First Fruits evidently spread from India to all the countries of Indo-China. Dhanya-daha was naturally a ceremony in which the people took great interest, since it was necessary that it should be performed before they themselves could enjoy the fruits of their labours. The ingredients are more than sixty in number, and include the various kinds of rice and other grain grown in the country, together with fruit juices, sugar, milk, butter, and water. The King then sprinkles the virgins with consecrated water, after which they are conducted to their appointed stations, four to each of the eight pans. An official dressed as a “temporary king” proceeded to the royal padi fields in a procession similar to that of the Ploughing Ceremony. The proclamation ends with a pious wish that faith in the Buddha, the Law, and the Order may bring health and happiness to the King and prosperity to the country.
