The Hassadeelink is a mythical bird with an elephant-like head. (Photo by Patipat Janthong)The cremation of revered abbot Luang Phor Koon Parisutho on the back of an ornamental mythical Hassadeelink bird figure on Jan 29 has spurred Khon Kaen University to further promote this once little-known local ritual. Hassadeelink, a Hindu mythical bird with an elephant-like head, is part of a "rarely seen Isan [northeastern] culture", he said. Artists and craftsmen designed the bird to make it able to turn its head, blink its eyes and cry. This type of funeral ceremony in the North and the Northeast is traditionally held for highly respected monks.

Source: Bangkok Post February 01, 2019 21:00 UTC