Poy Sang Long ceremony, Chiang Mai, Thailand. 07 Jul 2017
About this photo
Boys in Thailand dress in colourful mock-royal finery imitating Gautama Buddha who was a prince prior to starting his religious journey. This is a right of passage that occurs annually for boys between the ages of 7 and 14, known as the Poy Sang Long celebrations.
During the three-day festival, which is held in April, the boys are carried on the shoulders of older male relatives until the last day when they are taken to the local monastery, and trade their outfits for the ochre-coloured robes of monks and are ordained for at least one week. This is a tradition that crossed the border with the Shan people from Myanmar.
Visit Thailand and witness the colourful festivals on any of Insight Guides' trips to Thailand.
This article was originally published on 31 October, 2015
