morning alms, Luang Prabang, Laos - a photo on Flickriver

morning alms in Luang Prabang, historic center of what is now Laos, a UNESCO World Heritage site for it's architectural, artistic and cultural heritage. I visited as part of my ongoing journey 'along the Mekong'; in stages; this section travelling by slow boat downriver to see the golden city during the Buddhist new year in April 2009.

New year is the most important national holiday in many SE Asian countries and an important event in the Buddhist calendar. It is a time of transformation or change; celebrated with paying respect to elders, elaborate merit making and cleansing rituals, that in recent times have developed to include public water fights. Due to Covid restrictions the water fights cannot take place for a 2nd year running now, at least in Thailand. Hope we can experience this safely again soon.

Luang Prabang is famous for its many Buddhist temples and monasteries. Every morning just after sunrise hundreds of monks walk the streets to collect alms; walking barefoot, in quiet meditation, with their baskets ready to receive sticky rice, their staple of life. Locals kneel along the way donating food, typically in their best attire and colourful shirts bought and worn especially for new year. An unforgettable sight in the beautiful, historic center of this small, sleepy laid-back town and a truly enchanting experience.

Buddhist new year is the time when many young boys and men are ordained and begin an important chapter in their life. At least for a period of 3 months, or longer, at their free choosing. Joining the monkhood is highly respected and makes merit for the whole family. Young men learn the fundamenal teachings of Buddhism and the basic vows, and learn self control. Most importantly, for many often poor families from the countryside it means their sons will receive education far superior to that available via alternative options. In addition, it also means one less mouth to feed.

For many novices this is the first time to practice the strange new daily routines of being a monk, and morning alms and being fed (once a day) is new for them, just as the required distance to women (including their mothers) and not touching them directly.

☞ more from along the Mekong

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Taken in: Lao / Luang Prabang Province / Ban Phoudokmai (show map)

Taken on: April 13, 2009

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Sets appears in: • Along the Mekong

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