"Dozens of Buddhist devotees took part in a symbolic 'resurrection' ceremony on Wednesday at Bangkok's Wat Ta Kien temple, seeking to shed bad karma and mark a fresh start for the New Year. Footage shows participants entering coffins accompanied by flowers, money and other traditional offerings. Monks then cover the coffins with a large veil as devotees lie motionless. Following prayers, the monks lift the veil, symbolically returning the participants to life. "After the ceremony, I feel refreshed," said one of the participants, Yachu Kong. "While waiting for the process, it's like through the time, the process, you're having more hope. [...] It's very special for me." "In the end, through the blessing from the monk and all this water sprayed on my body, I really feel like I'm going to have a very good new year," she added. Followers believe the ritual - which enacts the cycle of death and rebirth - offers an opportunity for renewal, opening the door to new beginnings, triumphs and successes in the year ahead. Beyond the pursuit of good fortune, the coffin ritual at Wat Takien seeks to inspire a life characterised by prudence and discretion, serving as a reminder of the inevitability of death. "Death is like the body, the earth, the pure, the non-consciousness. No, it is not permanent, it is reborn," monk Papit explained. The New Year's Resurrection Ceremony is held annually at Wat Ta Kien and is free to attend, though devotees are encouraged to bring flowers, money or other offerings."