City - State - JANGWAT CHIANG MAI Country - Thailand
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Friday, 8 April, 2005: in the run-up to Songkran (Thai New Year), boys who have studied the teachings of the Buddha are ready to be dressed in the saffron robes of the monkhood. An important step towards the responsibility of adulthood...
'Recruited' may not be quite the word. They may only go in for a week or two. Something similar happens when a close member of the family dies, but this photograph was taken at Songkran (when there is a long school holiday). You're right about eating before midday. The day starts early and the monks go on 'bintabat', when they collect food donations from the locals.
Hi Len, This is very interesting. I did not know they were recruited that early. Certainly requires a lot of dedication and hard work. I was told they eat in the morning and fast the rest of the day. I don't know if this applies to the young ones as well.
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