Thai Grave Cleaners Give A Dignified End To Those Who Died In Unfortunate Circumstances

SARABURI, THAILAND - APRIL 30: Volunteers dig up Chinese-style grave during the Lang Pacha ritual at Visutmakhiri Cemetery, one of the largest Chinese cemeteries in Thailand on April 30, 2023 in Saraburi, Thailand. The Lang Pacha ritual (cemetery cleansing in Thai) is based on the rite of second burial, which originated during the Song dynasty in China. The ceremony, which rarely takes place, involves the cremation of remains from exhumed graves. It takes place when cemeteries run out of space and is believed to bring luck to living participants. The ceremony draws large crowds of Buddhist volunteers who believe that taking part is one of the best ways to attain good karma. Many volunteers are also involved in the exhumation of the deceased, cleaning skulls and fragments of bones in a tea solution using toothbrushes, after which they are dried and adorned with gold leaf. The recovered bones are placed together before being cremated in a dramatic ceremony in which volunteers often pose for pictures in front of burning pyres. (Footage by Sirachai Arunrugstichai/Getty Images)