It's not a simple feat to chant overnight for 8 hours continuously, albeit with breaks in between.  Imagine a running relay where one player passes a baton to another until they reach the finishing point.  Instead of passing a baton, we see the microphone being passed from one member to another to lead the chanting from 11pm to 7am the next day. 

Every year on 31 Jan, members and friends would gather in Wat Ananda to count down to the new year.  It's a tradition that we have maintained for many years.  To the new ones who joined us for their first overnight chanting, many are impressed with the efforts and dedication put in by many members to keep themselves awake as they chant continuously and mindfully.  As we chant the verses of Iti-pi-so, we are recollecting the meaning of the Triple Gem and the importance It plays in our practice.  Let's hope that the continuous chanting and Pindapat on the first day will aid us in cultivating a wholesome mind-state as we enter 2010.   

Chanting in the Main Shrine, led by the Sangha.  Venerable Chao Khun's (Abbot of Wat Ananda) key message for all is to "Smile more" in the new year :D

  Yummy!!! Nice food prepared by the members... :)

Brothers and Sisters leading the chant as they pass the mic around.  Venerable Chao Khun leading the Sangha for Pindapat (Alms offering).

Sadhu Sadhu Sadhu!!... to all who stayed back till the morning on 1 Jan.