A decorated boat carrying a large golden Buddha statue was the centre of attention yesterday as it sailed in the Bang Pakong River during celebrations for Rap Bua, or the Lotus Flower Receiving Festival, in Bang Phli, Thailand.

The event is a tradition in the region to commemorate the end of Buddhist Lent, usually held a day before the official end of the period, when worshippers come to throw their offerings of lotus flowers on the floating Buddha.

Lotus flowers are considered holy because Lord Buddha is believed to have walked on them after he was born.