“A Monkey Feast in Thailand”
Introductory Words
This world is full of amazing and interesting happenings. Everyday a number of events and festivals are celebrated around the world which are unique in nature and are very interesting. Festivals have become part of human life. If you think that the festivities and feasts are just restricted to the human beings then it is wrong. All the living creatures have right to live freely and happily. Thailand is the place which is famous for its very interesting festival called Monkey Festival. It was declared the strangest festival of the world by The Guardian newspaper in London. The objective of this festival is to promote tourism in Thailand.
Lopburi Monkey Festival
Location
This strange festival is celebrated in Pra Prang Sam Yot temple situated at Lopburi in the Central Thailand region. Lopburi is the provincial capital situated at about 150 km north of Bangkok. Lopburi is called Monkey Town because there are countless monkeys living. Initially these monkeys were living outside the city. Then the time passsed and they resided in Pra Prang Sam Yot temple. With the passage of time they became more daring and started to enter the main city. They started living with the people. Now they are found hanging on telephone lines. They are so daring that you will find them snatching snacks and other eatables from the local people and tourists. They can look into your pockets. Most interestingly they will walk with you while holding your hands. These are the long tailed monkeys which are called macaque.
The Festivity
The festival is celebrated on last weekend of November every year. Other than the tourist attraction, this festival has become believe of the people. People believe that if they will feed the monkeys then it will bring good luck to them. Keeping in view this philosophy the people of the area donate food for the monkeys. This festival is celebrated to honour the monkeys. People think that these monkeys attract tourists from all over the world which gives them livelihood. The monkeys are part of the local culture since a number of years. The main attractions of the festival include a Monkey Tea party. The monkeys are allowed to eat fruits, eggs, cucumbers and bananas which are specially prepared for them in their honour. There are about 2000 macaque monkeys. There are about 2 tons of fruits, vegetables, ice creams, soft drinks, jellies, grilled sausages and milk are provided to the monkeys for their buffet. In the recent last festival 20 different kinds of fruits were offered but the monkeys were attracted towards the durian fruit the most.
Now the management has decided to widen the scope of the festival. Some other festivities like cultural shows are being lined up in the festival. A parade mingling with the monkeys is also arranged which received a remarkable appreciation from the locals and tourists. Besides the mess created by the monkeys, nobody in the town blames the monkeys because they believe that they bring prosperity to them.