DAILY ALMS GIVING TO MONKS

Luang Prabang is considered a holy city in Laos. In Buddhism, the Monks receive their daily food from a ritual, held very early in the morning which is called giving Alms to the Monks.

Being the morning person that I am I wasn't going to miss this opportunity to partake in the ritual and made Dave get up too to take some photos and video.




















Approached by a Laos lady I bought my food; sticky rice and crackers for 15,000 kip (under $2).

And later bought another sticky rice for 5,000. Women have to kneel, never pointing their feet at the Monks whilst Men are allowed to stand.

Food received during the alms becomes their breakfast and lunch, after midday, and they are only allowed to drink water.

What is quite sad is the children placed with baskets or cardboard boxes (from poor families) to collect food which the Monks give away.

I've watched this girl for the past two mornings praying for food to feed her family.

I can't imagine it would be hygenic with many hands touching the food. Another thing us Westerners take for granted!

More photos here.