Thai takeaway in Elland is given a blessing by Buddhist monks

SukanThai Food in Southgate, Elland, was blessed by Buddhist monks from the Watbuddharam Temple in Headingley, Leeds, to celebrate the success of the venture and bring happiness and prosperity for the future.

Read: Call for Calderdale Council to do more to tackle global emergency of climate changeThe monks, dressed in their traditional robes, started the ceremony with prayers and ancient Thai chants, before blessing the premises and guests with holy water.

People from Thai communities across Calderdale, Kirklees and Bradford attended the packed event along with guests from the local community, who were also invited to share in the ceremony with owner Kiyara A-Roonchai and her team.

The takeaway and cafe opened in the centre of Elland last summer, creating six new jobs.

Read: Council's latest social media takeover week showcases kindness of Calderdale peopleLike its sister venue, SukanThai in Cleckheaton, it is named in honour of Kiyara’s late grandmother, Sukantha, who lived in Thailand and is her inspiration.

Kiyara came to England with her mother as a child from Thailand and practises Buddhism which, she says, is more of a philosophy of life than a religion, encouraging qualities of spiritual awareness, kindness and wisdom.

She said: “It was wonderful to welcome so many friends, both new and old to our little ceremony in Elland. In Thai culture, when we start a new business, like a shop, or even get a new house or car, we like to receive a blessing which we believe will bring us good fortune and keep us safe.

"It was also a chance to thank our customers for their support so far in getting SukanThai Food off to a brilliant start”.

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