The alms-giving ceremony in Luang Prabang is a longstanding tradition in the Laotian Buddhist culture. The main religion in Laos is Theravada Buddhism, and each day, people in the town gather to give offerings to the monks.
This Buddhist ceremony occurs in villages and towns throughout Laos and other Southeast Asian countries. The ceremony is a relationship between the person who gives and the one who receives.
It is an important religious event for the people of Luang Prabang.
WHAT IS THE ALMS-GIVING CEREMONY?
Each morning, the local people from Luang Prabang gather on the streets to offer the Buddhist monks and novices in their orange robes food that will form the monks' daily meals.
With close to 30 local monasteries in Luang Prabang, it makes for a long line of monks walking the streets.
The Buddhist monks walk silently and barefoot while carrying their bowls to receive their daily alms. The local people kneel before them with their bowls of rice, fruit, or other treats.
Most of the locals offer sticky rice. Our local guide in Luang Prabang said that he and his wife wake up before dawn each day to make rice for the monks. He also said they believe that when you give, you receive in return (a spiritual merit). They believe that giving food to the monks will bring good things to their own lives in the future.
It is a beautiful sight to watch and experience.
Almsgiving isn't a new tradition and has a long history. The ritual dates back to the 14th century. This was when Theravada Buddhism was chosen as the official religion in Laos.
Today, thousands of monks practice this ceremony all across Laos.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
As a responsible traveler, knowing about the alms-giving ceremony is important before participating in or attending the event. Religious etiquette is vital so as not to disrupt the process.
1. THIS IS A SILENT RELIGIOUS CEREMONY
As I mentioned earlier, this is a silent ceremony. Respect for the Buddhist monks and novices is so important. Remaining silent (or moving away from the ceremony to talk) is the best practice for participating in this morning's religious ritual.
Do not approach or come close to the monks out of respect for them. Standing before the monks or breaking their line is considered very rude.
The best thing to do is to find a location on the side of the road and enjoy the view from there.
2. KNOW WHAT TO WEAR
It is customary to dress respectfully by covering your arms and legs. This is the tradition in Southeast Asia when visiting any religious temple.
I always like to carry a large scarf in my backpack on those very hot days in Southeast Asia so I can enter the temples at any time without concern or disrespect.
3. SILENCE YOUR PHONE.
This one shouldn't have to be mentioned, but there is always that one phone that disrupts beautiful moments in life.
4. WHAT TO KNOW IF YOU WANT TO PARTICIPATE (AND NOT JUST WITNESS)
Prepare your offerings in advance. Local hotels will often help if you approach them the day before.
Arrive before sunrise to find a position. Be seated before the monks arrive.
Remove your shoes and socks, tuck your feet underneath you, and keep silent.
If you are a female, out of respect for the monks, you must keep your head lower than the monks when giving alms. Do not touch or make eye contact with the monks during the ceremony.
Always put the offerings in the bowl. Never hand it directly to the monk.
5. AS A WITNESS, PHOTOGRAPH FROM A DISTANCE
Staying at a comfortable distance and remaining silent is most important. The recommended way to take a photo and watch the ceremony is to stand on the side of the road. No flash.
Never walk before a monk or break their line to get a photo. Practice photographic etiquette by viewing from a distance.
6. AVOID FOLLOWING THE PROCESSION
It is best to try and find a comfortable place to experience the alms-giving ceremony. Try to stay in the same place until it concludes.
It is also disrespectful to have your head higher than the Buddhist monks. Find a place to sit and enjoy the ceremony. Avoid watching the ceremony from a window, tour bus, or the balcony of your hotel.
7. WHEN AND WHERE DOES THE CEREMONY TAKE PLACE?
The ceremony usually begins around dawn. Depending on the time of year, that time will change.
The popular routes for visitors to watch the ceremony are Wat Sene Wat, along Sakkaline Road, or the Wat Mai temple on Sisavangvong Road.
The alms-giving ceremony is a sacred ritual, and enjoying the event with the Buddhist monks is a wonderful experience. The local people and monks of Luang Prabang are kind, generous, and devoted to their religion. Showing respect as a responsible traveler is a gift not only to the people of Luang Prabang but also to ourselves.
Should you ever witness or participate in an alms-giving ceremony in Southeast Asia, I wish you a wonderful experience. It is a tradition that will capture your heart.
Until next time,
Marla
To view my complete photography collection from the Alms Giving Ceremony in Luang Prabang, visit my ART SHOP.