Luang Prabang has a large amount of temples which makes the entire town a historical site. A daily ritual is that of alms giving. Residents and visitors purchase sticky rice mainly though some give other items to each monk as they pass. The purpose of the ritual is good for the monk as they only eat one meal a day. The rest of the food is fed to the poor who come to the temple to eat food and pray. After eating, it is time for prayer.
This is the line of people waiting to give alms on Sisavangvong road.
Sticky rice is purchased in a large Steamer basket and is cooked just before the ceremony. Here you can ser people waiting on stools that have been set up for this giving alms. They have Steamer baskets in front of them.
As each monk passes, some rice is scooped out into each Monks metal container they carry.
It is very silent. The Monks walk barefoot through the streets.
As they reach the corner they turn down the side street.
From here they will turn towards their respective temple. You can see different Monks going into different directions. As they go through the backstreets, there will be others lined up there as well to give alms.
This was a very peaceful ritual and worth seeing. The rules are no flash photos, do not get close to the Monks, and wear attire suitable for temple. This includes long skirt or pants and shoulders covered. I was dismayed to see people break the rule especially using flash and stepping in front of a monk to get a picture.
Respect is key here and everywhere you go.
Note: because of no flash and distance, some pictures may not be as clear.