Nine elephants from Nong Nooch Tropical Garden offered nine candles to nine eastern-region temples for Buddhist Lent.
Park General Manager Pantanan Kanthisookapan oversaw the July 20-29 event, in which the nine elephants with a combined age of an auspicious 99 years began the casting of lent candles.
The elephants again were on hand July 31 when the candles were formally presented to abbots of Sangwararam Wowrnwiharn, Samakeebanpot, Amparam, Bang Saray Kongkaram, Najomtien, Khao Khantamat, Nong Japtao, Khao Chi Chan and Sattahip temples.
Pantanan said Nong Nooch wanted to showcase the importance of Khao Phansa and its tradition of candles.
Nine elephants at Nong Nooch Tropical Garden begin casting 9 candles for 9 eastern-region temples for Buddhist Lent.
During this period, monks go into retreat for meditation and candles are given to light their way. Buddhist followers, meanwhile, often refrain from eating meat, abstain from alcohol, and attend activities at temples.
Phansa candles are created to light the world during this period and to remind people about the religion of Buddhism.
The elephants received a blessing once their task was finished.
