Monkey Buffet Festival

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Lopburi Prang Sam Yot 2

Monkey Buffet Festival is an annual event held in Lopburi, Thailand, known for its unique and unusual celebration that honors the local monkey population. The festival is a testament to the harmonious relationship between the residents of Lopburi and the monkeys, primarily the long-tailed macaques, that inhabit the area. It is celebrated with great enthusiasm, drawing tourists from around the globe to witness this extraordinary spectacle.

History

The Monkey Buffet Festival was first introduced in 1989 by a local hotelier named Yongyuth Kitwattananusont, with the support of the Tourism Authority of Thailand. The idea was inspired by the Hindu belief that monkeys are followers of the Hindu deity, Hanuman, and symbolize good luck and prosperity. The festival was initiated to boost tourism in Lopburi, a province already famous for its ancient ruins and historical significance, and to show gratitude towards the monkeys for drawing tourists to the city.

Celebration

The festival takes place in late November at the Phra Prang Sam Yot temple, a historical site and a major tourist attraction in Lopburi. During the festival, more than 2,000 kilograms of fruits, vegetables, cakes, and candies are laid out in buffet-style spreads for the monkeys. The food is carefully arranged on tables and in pyramid-like structures, which are then decorated with flowers and other colorful items to attract the monkeys.

The event starts with traditional dances and music performances to entertain the visitors. Once the food is laid out, the monkeys descend from the ancient ruins and trees to feast on the buffet prepared exclusively for them. The sight of hundreds of monkeys enjoying their feast, mingling with each other, and sometimes playfully interacting with the tourists, provides a unique and amusing experience for all attendees.

Significance

The Monkey Buffet Festival highlights the unique relationship between humans and monkeys in Lopburi. It reflects the locals' respect and love for the monkeys, considering them as part of their community. The festival not only serves as a major tourist attraction but also promotes wildlife conservation and awareness. By feeding the monkeys and celebrating their presence, the festival encourages a peaceful coexistence between humans and animals.

Controversies

While the Monkey Buffet Festival is celebrated with good intentions, it has faced criticism from animal rights groups. Concerns have been raised about the health implications of feeding processed foods to the monkeys and the potential for encouraging dependency on human-provided food, which could alter their natural foraging behaviors. Despite these concerns, the festival continues to be a popular event, with measures being taken to include more natural food items in the buffet.

In Popular Culture

The Monkey Buffet Festival has garnered international attention and has been featured in various travel and wildlife documentaries. It is often cited as one of the world's most unusual festivals, showcasing the quirky and fascinating aspects of Thai culture.

See Also

• Wildlife of Thailand
• Tourism in Thailand
• Human–wildlife conflict