Bangkok: Surin province held an alms-giving ceremony on elephant back to celebrate the Buddhist holy day. A unique event, the province of Surin, held a grand alms-giving ceremony on elephant back to commemorate Asalha Puja and the beginning of Buddhist Lent.

According to Thai News Agency, Surin Province, in collaboration with the Surin Provincial Administrative Organization, organized the event. The Governor of Surin presided over the ceremony, leading Buddhist devotees, including foreigners, in offering rice, dried food, and other necessities. Seventy-five monks, seated on forty elephants, participated in the procession to receive alms around the monument of Phraya Surin Phakdi Sri Narong Changwang.

The tradition of offering alms to monks on elephant back in Surin Province is unique in the world. It reflects the strong relationship between the people of Surin and elephants, and serves as a way to perpetuate Buddhism while preserving local customs for future generations.