This marks the start of the daily preparation of food for collection by Buddhist monks. Known as tak bat, it is a serene ritual of devotion, a silence of padded footsteps down roads paved and broken. From over 80 temples in Luang Prabang, monks emerge single file in their distinctive saffron-orange robes. Young and old, their heads shaven, they walk resolutely, faces a mask of contemplation.
Meanwhile, the neighborhoods’ early risers are already in place, offering bowls filled with the ubiquitous sticky rice and more; wrapped sweets, a smattering of confectionery. All of this goes into a large lidded bowl hanging from their shoulders. After a row of monks finish receiving their offerings, they gather at a distance and chant a blessing over the residents, who receive it gratefully, palms together and heads bowed.
