Photo of the Week: Young Novice Monks in Vientiane, Laos

Tari Bowling (photo), Lee Sheridan (text)
13 June 2010

IN NOVEMBER 2010, THIS IMAGE EARNED SPECIAL MENTION FROM OUR JUDGES WHEN SELECTING THE WHL GROUP PHOTO OF THE YEAR.

This image shows two young novice monks playing (while working) at Wat Impeng temple in Vientiane during Pi Mai (Lao New Year). Pi Mai is one of the biggest festivals of the year in Laos, a time when thousands of people visit the many temples found all across the country to wash the Buddha images as a way to gain merit. The monks shown below are supplying scented water to temple visitors and having a great time in the process.

Anyone who has visited Laos (or Thailand) during the new-year festivities (mid-April) will have witnessed what can only be described as a national water fight. This flamboyant behaviour stems from the washing of the Buddha. The scented water that falls from the images is collected and gently poured over the heads and shoulders of friends and family to bring good luck for the new year. The water is also believed to wash away bad luck from the previous year. It is this pouring of the water that has since developed into the party-like festival enjoyed by millions.

Many temples in Laos take in young orphans as inductees. These adopted children are cared for, educated and trained in the Buddhist way of life. They are expected to take a number of vows and to follow rules of conduct that govern their daily lives. Monks live on donations of food from the local populace; their daily collections are a common sight across all of Laos.