To commemorate the anniversary of the Buddha’s enlightenment, 12,600 monks have attended an alms-giving ceremony in Chiang Mai this morning. The number is auspicious because in numerology adds up to 9 and also marks the estimated 2,600th anniversary of the Buddha passing into Nirvana. Buddhist monks from various districts in and around Chiang Mai province arrived in a fleet of buses and mini-buses for the special occasion. Similar events have already been held at a number of locations in Thailand this year including Bangkok and Hat Yai. Large crowds attended the merit-making ceremony this morning on Chiang Mai’s Chang Klan Road. Organisers of the event had specifically asked for donations of canned goods and non-perishable food items and provisions which in turn will be donated to victims of this year’s flooding in Thailand.
Photos © Thaizer
