The 2026 Elephant Ordination Tradition

The 2026 Elephant Ordination Tradition
April 29 – May 1, 2026
Elephant Study Center (Ban Ta Klang) and Wang Talu, Tha Tum, Surin

Experience a profound journey of faith passed down through generations of the Kui people. As the rhythmic sounds of the Khaen and long drums fill the air, young ordinands in vibrant attire and ornate headdresses ascend onto the backs of majestic elephants. A procession of over a hundred elephants journeys toward Wang Talu, the confluence of the Mun and Chi Rivers.

Witness the powerful bond between humans, elephants, and nature as the herd bathes in the river before the sacred ordination ceremony takes place at Don Buat.

Schedule

• April 29, 2026: Shaving of the hair and the communal blessing ceremony for the ordinands at Wat Chaeng Sawang.
• April 30, 2026: The grand elephant procession from Wat Chaeng Sawang to Wang Talu, followed by the opening ceremony and traditional rituals at the Pu Ta Shrine.
• May 1, 2026: Mass ordination ceremony at Wat Chaeng Sawang.

Join us to become part of this living legend and fall in love with the unique elephant culture of Surin.