Buddhist blessing at Thai restaurant in Shrewsbury
A Thai restaurant in Shrewsbury has received a blessing from Buddhist monks. Five holy men dressed in traditional orange robes prayed for the continuing success of the Castle Thai restaurant.
They chanted, prayed and played music at the celebration, which is held annually at the Castle Street restaurant and took place on Tuesday.
The family-run business opened four years ago and staff members invited their relatives to the ceremony.
Minnie Chufri, 19, the sister of the restaurant's owner Wacharin Key, said it was a double celebration.
"The monks prayed to keep the shop in prosperity, and it was also my birthday.
"People brought their children to see the monks. They wished them a good life and they are meant to bring good luck."
Ron Millar, from the neighbouring Castle News shop on Castle Street, said: "It's great to see another culture in the town, especially following the street theatre festival.
"The staff at the restaurant are really nice people and they do beautiful food.
"The celebration was like their Christmas and they had all the family there.
"There was singing and music and they brought us round some food afterwards."
Nearly 95 per cent of Thailand's population is Buddhist.
Monks and nuns are considered to be responsible for preserving Buddhist teachings and guiding Buddhist lay followers.
