 |
|
|
|
| Story and Photos: Wiwat Pandawutiyanon |
|
|
 |
|
The morning almsgiving is conducted rather quickly, so as to leave ample time for the monks to return to the temples to prepare their first meal of the day - those who, for whatever reason, did not give alms in the early morning will take this opportunity to bring food to offer at their local temples. This is followed by merit making ceremonies for those who have successfully passed from this worldly existence. Even for souls unable to receive merit from these traditional ceremonies, the locals have left out rice specialties covered in banana leaves since the early morning hours. |
|
 |
|
At the same time, the group of competing rowers have gathered at the temple, waiting for the Brahman priest to bless the boating event. After having their breakfast together, the rowers and all others involved in the races will receive their own holy water blessing from the senior monk at the temple, at which time they will begin a procession around the temple and continue to the river's port. In the first ceremonial boat race, a black boat duels a white boat. The preordained winner of that race is always the white boat, which is meant to signify the undisputed victory of good over evil. Afterwards, the boat races begin in earnest, as the entire community comes together to join in the festive occasion... |
|
 |
|
Certainly, the Luang Prabang merit making "Khao Pradap Din" festival in commemoration of the dead is filled with ceremony and purpose. Second in importance only to the Laotian New Year's Day celebrations, this festival, however, additionally impresses upon outsiders not only the sense of community the locals of Luang Prabang engender, but leaves them tickled with an infectious tradition of merriment and celebration.
|
|
