‘Cruel’ pre-ordination ceremony for monks

Published on 4 May 2017 3:24:18 PM

Each year, a “cruel” pre-ordination ceremony takes place for those who are entering monkhood in Chaiyaphum, Thailand.
The event, which is also known as the Naga ordination, was formerly a solemn ceremony.
However, it has become so popular that it has turned into an annual festival that draws both local and foreign tourists to the province.
The ceremony sees a novice monk sitting on a bamboo seat which is carried by former monks who would try to throw the monk off balance.
This is considered a test of their patience before entering monkhood.