Armed with camera, the locals knew I am a passing tourist and directed me into a private compound where a ceremony was going on. The color of these fabrics caught my immediate attention as I walked in.
I was just in time to watch a procession of young ladies in traditional costumes went on stage collecting elms of flowers. Without a clue, this is part of a wedding ceremony I thought. The lady dressed in gold carried a golden pillow could be the bride. A friend pointed out later, this is an initiation ceremony for a family member entering monk hood. The lady is likely his fiancee.
More ladies came out in line towards the main road.
It became obvious why the men lined the road with waiting umbrellas..
These young ladies found their spots in front.
Young mother adjust her daughter's costume to look her best.
At the head of the procession, she is the prettiest of all - like a princess, look a bit under stressed though.
Soon the band started to play and led the procession towards a temple few hundred meters away. This must be a wealthy local family to have such an elaborate procession.
Two weeks later, I witnessed another on a much modest scale in comparison.
This time I looked out for the new monks - 3 of them actually!
Count myself lucky to pass at the right time to catch a glimpse of an event in local life.
