Thousands of people celebrated the 78th birthday of the abbot of Phothisamphan Temple, which threw a grand fair and blood drive.
About 3,000 people and 100 monks attended the April 29 festival, which is held each year on the birthday of Abbot Punya Pattanaporn. He first was ordained at Pah Arayika Temple in Chonburi 58 years ago.
Sixty booths offered food, beverages and games and the Thai Red Cross rolled in beds to let 109 people make merit by donating blood. In all, 45,050 cc of blood was collected.
Monks and laypeople turned out in droves to wish a happy birthday to Phothisamphan Temple Abbot Punya Pattanaporn.
The monks also made their rounds at 11 a.m., collecting alms from the crowd assembled. Then believers poured scented water on the abbot to bring them good luck and happiness.
