In an unconventional appeal to the heavens, residents of Sai Yok district in Kanchanaburi province, central Thailand, have created a hefty 600kg wooden phallus to beckon much-needed rain. Their unique practice was spotlighted by The Thaiger.
The sculpture, known locally as Palad Khik, is typically made smaller and carried as a protective talisman against malign forces, also to win favor and popularity for the carrier. However, the villagers have decided to supersize their effort to grab the attention of Devas, the Buddhism angels.
The rural community, mostly comprising farmers, has been suffering from a drought. Manote, one of the locals, told a TV station that they felt compelled to carry out this ritual due to this hardship. He noted that their plea seemed to work, although the rain fell in the forest area.
The villagers believe that the rain falls where the tip of the phallic sculpture points, prompting them to adjust it frequently. Following a downpour, a procession parades the sculpture to express gratitude to the Devas.
This unique rain-summoning practice isn’t the only one in Thailand; other provinces host rocket festivals or cat parades to call for rain.
This news story is based on an article published by malaymail.com.