Thailand kicked off its annual water buffalo festival on Monday in the eastern province of Chonburi, with an aim to celebrate the animals at a time when their contribution to agriculture has been replaced by tractors and other modern devices.
The water buffalo racing festival dates back more than 150 years, according to some estimates. On Monday, the festival-goers enjoyed interactive exhibits and photo opportunities at the venue where the animals were adorned in flower crowns and their riders wore traditional Thai attire.