The elephant negotiates the Chi River to carry the monk-to-be to the ordination hall. (Photo by Thanissorn Luckchai)

 

By Thai PBS World Feature Desk

 

Lots of colour, smiles, elaborate costumes, fanfare and, of course, a herd of elephants will enchant visitors to Surin in Northeast Thailand, as the country’s oldest mahout community celebrates the Buad Nak Chang Festival in early May.

 

Also known as the Elephant Ordination Festival, this rare celebration is a mass monk ordination procession that takes place on elephant back.

 

The unique ordination is held at Baan Ta Klang (Thailand’ largest elephant village) from May 2 – 4, and it’s fun for visitors to arrive a few days earlier to explore the village in what is, for most, a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

 

In Buddhism, the elephant has long been associated with contributing to the religion. The pachyderm is often depicted in murals offering a beehive to the Lord Buddha and in statues guarding the stairway to chapels.

 

Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/magnificence-on-elephant-back/

 

-- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-04-29

 

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"and it’s fun for visitors to arrive a few days earlier to explore the village in what is, for most, a once-in-a-lifetime experience."

 

For your enjoyment, the elephant gets a lifetime of abuse.  GREAT

It’s an unpopular opinion to state that Elephants have always been regarded as beasts of burden, just like a horse.

5 hours ago, webfact said:

The unique ordination is held at Baan Ta Klang (Thailand’ largest elephant village) from May 2 – 4, and it’s fun for visitors to arrive a few days earlier to explore the village in what is, for most, a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

And make a fortune from the tourism