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For centuries the inhabitants of Surin were renowned for their ability to catch and train elephants, indispensible creatures employed in both labor and war. In fact the Thai elephant has had a historic importance to Thai culture in innumerable ways. 

For centuries the inhabitants of Surin were renowned for their ability to catch and train elephants, indispensible creatures employed in both labor and war. In fact the Thai elephant has had a historic importance to Thai culture in innumerable ways. 

For centuries the inhabitants of Surin were renowned for their ability to catch and train elephants, indispensible creatures employed in both labor and war. In fact the Thai elephant has had a historic importance to Thai culture in innumerable ways. 

The Tak Bat Dok Mai floral offering merit-making ritual is unique to Saraburi province. This ritual stands out from the merit-making activities conducted in the other parts of Thailand because in addition to the offerings of cooked rice, food, incense, candles and other conventional sacred items, the Tak Bat Dok Mai ritual includes offerings of Dok Khao Phansa flowers that only come into bloom during the Buddhist Lent, hence the origin of its name. Some villagers call the flower Dok Yung Thong (golden peacock) or Dok Hong Thong (golden swan flower).

The Tak Bat Dok Mai floral offering merit-making ritual is unique to Saraburi province. This ritual stands out from the merit-making activities conducted in the other parts of Thailand because in addition to the offerings of cooked rice, food, incense, candles and other conventional sacred items, the Tak Bat Dok Mai ritual includes offerings of Dok Khao Phansa flowers that only come into bloom during the Buddhist Lent, hence the origin of its name. Some villagers call the flower Dok Yung Thong (golden peacock) or Dok Hong Thong (golden swan flower).