LAMPANG, March 13 – Thailand’s elephant lovers are throwing a big party today at the Thai Elephant Conservation Center in this northern province, beginning with a traditional Buddhist merit-making ceremony to mark Thai Elephant Day, which falls every March 13.
Lampang deputy governor Ritthipong Techapan, accompanied by National Elephant Institute director Pasakon Meevasana and some 1,000 elephant-lovers, is attending the merit-making rites today to pay tribute and homage to deceased elephants.
Forty-five elephants offered food to nine monks for their good health and luck, while a party featuring special foods for elephants–including watermelons, pineapples, bananas and sugarcane are being served– in northern-style food ware.
A community in Lampang’s Hang Chat district is also throwing a big party to the elephants, feeding the jumbos their favourite food and fruit, and holding an elephant procession and related shows. All activities at the Thai Elephant Conservation Center are now on pause for a day to let all the elephants enjoy the party.
