Surin Grand Elephant Kathin Ceremony
The Surin Grand Elephant Kathin Ceremony
The only event of its kind in the world, celebrating both faith and the unique elephant way of life.
The Way of Life, the Way of Merit, the Way of Elephants
This phrase reflects the harmonious relationship between the people of Surin, their spiritual practices, and elephants highlighting a lifestyle where daily life, religious devotion, and the care of elephants are deeply intertwined.
Surin Province is not only renowned worldwide as the land of Thai elephants, but it is also rich in culture and long-standing traditions. One of the most distinctive events is the Surin Grand Elephant Kathin Ceremony, an annual merit-making festival that reflects the unique identity of the elephant-raising community in Ban Ta Klang Elephant Village, Khrop Subdistrict, Tha Tum District, Surin Province.
Highlights of the Event
The Surin Grand Elephant Kathin Ceremony is held magnificently every year in early November, featuring over 200 elephants participating in the elaborate Kathin procession on their backs. This spectacular event beautifully blends faith, devotion, and the traditional way of life of the Kui community, the original elephant-raising people of Surin, into a truly unique cultural celebration.
The Kathin procession on the backs of elephants is a unique event in the world, showcasing the remarkable bond between the Kui people and their elephants.
Event Activities and Cultural Highlights
- Traditional folk performances, including Long Drum Dance, Serng Dance, and youth cultural shows.
- Merit-making ceremonies, such as alms offering and Kathin robe presentation at local temples.
- Spectacular light and sound shows, narrating the legends of Thai elephants.
- Exhibitions and activities promoting cultural tourism, allowing visitors to learn more about Surins heritage.
Significance of the Event
The Surin Grand Elephant Kathin Ceremony holds great cultural, religious, and social importance. It not only preserves the unique traditions of the Kui people and their centuries-old relationship with elephants, but also promotes Buddhist merit-making and community values.
The event serves as a major tourist attraction, boosting the local economy and providing an opportunity for both Thai and international visitors to experience Surins heritage and cultural identity firsthand.
Moreover, it highlights the world-renowned skills and care of Thai elephants, reinforcing their status as a national symbol and an integral part of Thailands cultural legacy.
In addition, the event provides an opportunity to generate income for local communities, develop tourism, and sustainably preserve traditional local knowledge and wisdom.
Venue and Schedule
- Venue: Elephant Study Center, Ban Ta Klang Elephant Village, Tha Tum District, Surin Province
- Schedule: Early November every year (please follow official announcements each year for exact dates)
Surin Elephant Kathina Festival
It is not only a continuation of Buddhist faith and Thai cultural heritage, but also a heartfelt expression of the deep bond between humans and elephants. This unique tradition comes to life through the magnificent Elephant Kathina Procession a spectacle unlike any other in the world.
If you ever have the chance, come and experience this atmosphere of faith and cultural pride for yourself. Then you will understand that Surin is not just the Land of Elephants, but truly the heart of Thainess.
Hotels in Surin City, Surin Resort
Surin Organic Rice
We carefully select premium organic rice varieties, cultivated using organic farming methods, including Jasmine Rice, Brown Jasmine Rice, Pak-Ampul Brown Rice, Five-Variety Mixed Rice, Surin Malinil Rice, Riceberry, and Red Jasmine Rice. These are grown once a year in Surin province with meticulous attention to every step of organic farming, following natural methods. From the organic fields, we deliver wholesome, 100% organic rice straight from the farmers to consumers.
Our Surin Organic Rice products have been certified with the following standards:
- Thai Organic Agriculture Standard (Organic Thailand)
- PGS Thailand Participatory Guarantee System for organic farming
- Pure Rice Variety certification from the Rice Department, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives
- Surin Best Local specialty of Surin
- GI Surin Hommali Rice Geographical Indication certification for Surin Jasmine Rice
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