2024

TAK BAT

Religious festival
4/5
3 reviews

Every morning between 5:45 and 6:00, hundreds of young monks leave their monastery to be offered food by the people of Luang Prabang. The latter are posted on the sidewalk and in the street, on a small stool or on the ground (so as to be always lower than the monks, as a sign of respect) and wait in total silence for the passage of the monks.
Barefoot and dressed in their saffron robes, the monks parade, according to tradition, in a line and buy white rice. Unfortunately, the religious and spiritual aspect of this ceremony seems to be neglected by the tourists who arrive in mass and play the paparazzi. So much so that posters are put up in town to explain the right attitude to adopt...
You should also know that some Laotians take advantage of this opportunity to fill their pockets: they sell to tourists the portions of rice that the latter offer to the monks. It is up to you to decide whether or not you want to participate in the ceremony.

In any case, some common sense rules should be respected:

Do not look the monks in the eyes, nor support their glance.

Respect a certain distance, for example, stay on the opposite sidewalk.

Do not shoot them, even if photos are allowed! And avoid the flash!

Do not obstruct their passage, stay in your place.

Keep silence, be discreet.

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