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Luang Prabang, Laos - Procession of Monks (December 2010)

A unique thing to see when visiting Luang Prabang, Laos is the morning ritual of the procession of monks in their orange robes marching to the temple while receiving alms. The procession of monks starts every day at about 6:00 AM. The monks receive alms (usually in the form of sticky rice) from the townspeople who believe that if they are generous in this life, they will be more prosperous in the next life when they are reincarnated. It is a ritual that the Buddhist people take very seriously, which is conducted in total silence. It is a must see when in Luang Prabang. You’ll have to rise at the dawn to see it.
Luang Prabang Procession of Monks (December 2010) cover page.
Luang Prabang Procession of Monks (December 2010) cover page.		 Map of Laos with the star indicating Luang Prabang.
Map of Laos with the star indicating Luang Prabang.		 Every morning in Luang Prabang at about 6:00 am, the monks set out on a procession to collect alms.
Every morning in Luang Prabang at about 6:00 am, the monks set out on a procession to collect alms.		 The alms are mostly in the form of sticky rice (khao niaw), bananas and other food.
The alms are mostly in the form of sticky rice (khao niaw), bananas and other food.
The procession down the main street of Luang Prabang is said to be the largest one in the world.
The procession down the main street of Luang Prabang is said to be the largest one in the world.		 This is an ancient ceremony which is carried out every morning.
This is an ancient ceremony which is carried out every morning.		 The people believe if they gift gifts in this life, they will be more prosperous when they are reincarnated in the next life.
The people believe if they gift gifts in this life, they will be more prosperous when they are reincarnated in the next life.		 The whole ritual takes place in silence.
The whole ritual takes place in silence.
Young Lao monk receiving alms.
Young Lao monk receiving alms.		 The monks are of all ages.
The monks are of all ages.		 Most people in Laos spend part of their lives as a monk.
Most people in Laos spend part of their lives as a monk.		 It was still dark at 6:15 am when the procession started.
It was still dark at 6:15 am when the procession started.
The monks either shave their heads or cut their hair short.
The monks either shave their heads or cut their hair short.		 Sometimes tourists will participate in the ritual.
Sometimes tourists will participate in the ritual.		 I chose not to participate since I thought, as a non-Buddhist, it might be disrespectful.
I chose not to participate since I thought, as a non-Buddhist, it might be disrespectful.		 This was a smaller procession, because it was not the one on the main street.
This was a smaller procession, because it was not the one on the main street.
These monks were at the end of the line.
These monks were at the end of the line.		 The next morning, I went to the main street to see the big procession of monks. These are Luang Prabang taxis.
The next morning, I went to the main street to see the big procession of monks. These are Luang Prabang taxis.		 It being so early in the morning, I got some of this excellent Lao coffee.
It being so early in the morning, I got some of this excellent Lao coffee.		 I befriended this older monk. He spoke English and told me that he was in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.
I befriended this older monk. He spoke English and told me that he was in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.
The procession of monks on the main street was much larger than the one I saw the previous day. It went on for several blocks.
The procession of monks on the main street was much larger than the one I saw the previous day. It went on for several blocks.		 Lao girls giving alms.
Lao girls giving alms.		 Seeing the procession of monks was a unique experience that I will never forget.
Seeing the procession of monks was a unique experience that I will never forget.

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