Uttaradit's unique temple tradition — making merit by offering durians

Numerous motorcycles belonging to devotees were found parked at the temple's pavilion as they turned up in large numbers for the annual ceremony, which had been on hold for three consecutive years due to the Covid-19 crisis.

The smell of durian permeated the temple premises as devotees brought the best-picked fresh durians, made sweet and savoury dishes, such as durian curry, durian sticky rice, durian and coconut milk, durian paste and fried durian.

The offerings were made to 109 monks from temples across Uttaradit province led by Phra Kru Siri Uthumporn Phiphat, the abbot of Wat Si Uthumporn Kanarak.

After the monks had finished their meal, the farmers handed out durians to devotees from other provinces in a bid to promote Uttaradit's Laplae durians. The year’s last batch of Laplae durians will hit the markets in August, and people would have to wait until next year if they miss it.

Rian Pintaphawa, president of the Mae Phun Subdistrict Administrative Organisation, said that Laplae residents believed the Salak Phat durian offering ceremony is an act of charity, making merit for deities such as Mother Earth, and has good karmic effects.

It also shows gratitude to their ancestors who planted the durian trees and enabled their descendants to earn a livelihood, he said, adding that residents believed the merit made will ensure good harvests in the next season.

The ceremony is scheduled the day before the Buddhist Lent so that monks from all over Uttaradit province can be invited, he added.