Thailand celebrates elephants influence: 09-11-2007
The Surin Elephant round-up, which runs on November 17th and 18th, will see thousands of tourists herd into the Elephant Arena in Srinarong Stadium for the annual Thai event that celebrates the life of an elephant.
Starting with an early opening ceremony, over 100 trained elephants take part in the two-day spectacle, dressed in fabulous costumes and having fun as they compete with humans, form a colourful parade and are rewarded with a massive feast.
Thousands of visitors from all over the world enjoy the event in the annual event, with many travelling specifically to enjoy the show.
For a cheap seat at 40 baht or the best seats in town at 500 baht, tourists can enjoy elephant football and tug-of-war between elephants and men - which the former often win - as well as demonstrations of the log-hauling skills of the magnificent beasts.
But for those who believe this may be exploitative of the animals, nothing could be further from the truth. Since there is a mutual bond of dependency, Thai elephants are treated by most as a member of the family.
Indeed, the opening ceremony involves an invocation ritual called 'wai kru', which is a gesture of respect. During this, Indra the sky god descends to earth on Erawan, a noble elephant, while Thai artist Krujang Klaisritong recites poetry.
The show, which features demonstrations of all elements of the elephantine life, culminates in a 2000-strong parade, involving both elephants and costumed performers.
In the week preceding the main event tourists can catch street parades and buy from the market stalls, while Friday morning sees the Elephant Breakfast - the biggest mass feeding of elephants in the world.