Ork Phansa

[narikaa]

Today is the day that the monks come out (Ork) after a three month confinement to the temple during the '"Rains" (Phansa)

Traditionally a young man elects to ordain as a monk once at least for a Rains retreat. These 'short timers' can be spotted at the tail end of the procession of monks (rules of seniority apply ) and some have pre-grown a degree of head hair in readiness for the imminent disrobing.

Its a big day on the Thai calendar where people 'make merit' (translated literally from Tam Boon) by giving sweet foods etc to the monks at some ungodly hour of the morning .

The monks preceded by a Buddha statue (on wheels) wind their interminable way between a double column of chairs stocked with awaiting offerings aided by a retinue of helpers humping away countless sackfulls of goodies (this year thoughtfully being sent on the way to the flood victims of Nakon Sawan province).

But what have we here?:

A canine merit maker (apparently)

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[chubbchubb]

Interesting and nice pictures. Thanks for sharing.

[maxman]

Very nice pics R...thanks for sharing.

Mike