TAK BAT – Buddhist morning collection

Tak Bat is a traditional procession of monks through the town of Luang Prabang between 5.30 h. and 6.15 h every morning. It is one of the most visited events by tourists. Even now, off-season, they are a disturbing factor to the contemplative aspects for both- the almgivers and the monks.

With many temples in Luang Prabang there are dozens of monkgroups , who take different routes depending on where in town their temple stands. The wait for the other members of the group to join. Each monk carries a large lidded bowl, which is attached to a strap hanging from the monk’s shoulder.

Meanwhile the so called almgivers prepare for the procession of the monks. The best rice for the tak bat ritual is prepared by the almsgivers themselves. The locals wake up early to prepare a batch of sticky rice, which they then scoop generously into each monk’s bowl as the line files past. I saw shop-owners from across the street joining every morning.


As monks file past the line of almsgivers – who are usually sitting or kneeling on the street – these containers are reverently filled with handfuls of sticky rice or bananas.Here is a set of different group of almsgivers on the following day, this time all monks shaved because of full-moon celebration.

Of course this ritual is essential to keep the system of buddhism alive as part of the laotian society, at least in this community, which has been the capital of the laotian kingdom and a religious center from the early days on. I looked for a spiritual explanation and found the following quote: “The ritual is done in silence; the almsgivers do not speak, nor do the monks. The monks walk in meditation, and the almsgivers reciprocate with respect by not disturbing the monk’s meditative peace. For hundreds of years, the ritual has cemented the symbiotic relationship between the monks and the almsgivers who maintain them – by feeding the monks and helping the laypeople make merit, tak bat supports both the monks (who need the food) and the almsgivers (who need spiritual redemption)” Watching both sides I believe this still holds a lot of truth.


With the small children running around I am still not sure what their interest was. On one hand they looked with admiration to the monks but I did not observe them giving something to the monks.

After the procession the monks return to their temples, often followed by dogs who are waiting for their chance to participate later on…