Another colourful Thai event to mark Khao Phansa, the start of the Buddhist rainy season retreat is tak bat dok mai, floral almsgiving which takes place at the beautiful Wat Phra Phutthabat in Saraburi.

The special annual event has become so popular that it is now held twice a day for two days in order to accommodate the huge crowds that come to make merit.

As the monks walk towards the temple, the faithful put flowers, candles and incense in the alms bowls and pour water on the monks’ feet.

The saffron robed monks continue their route, up the steps to the hilltop temple where they pay respects in the ornate mondop which houses a footprint of Buddha. It’s refreshing to see merit making that involves the simple giving of flowers rather than money which has become all too prevalent in Buddhism.