Dhammayietra 22: Avian Influenza prevention during the annual monks' peace walk in Cambodia

By Tongngy Kaing

March 20, 2012

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March 13, 2012

The walk began at 6 in the morning with monks, lay people, foreigners, and guests. They went around the town before heading to another pagoda about seven kilometers away from the town. We had both breakfast and lunch at the pagoda before heading to another pagoda at nearly a 10-kilometer distance. The total walk on the first day was over ten kilometers and it was exhausting work. I left the march late afternoon and walked alone about another two kilometers, finding a motor vehicle to return to Samrong, Oddar Meachey.

Figure 24: The march went around the city of Samrong, Oddar Meanchey.

Figure 25: Samrong, Oddar Meanchey

Figure 26: After the town, the march headed up the national road.

Figure 27: People were waiting in the street for the monks to bless them. They also offered food and drink to the monks. But money was not accepted during the peaceful walk.

Figure 28: "May the prayers help you avoid being sick and live in prosperity. But don't forget to wash your hands regularly, go to health center when not well, and never use drugs and violence," blessed the monk while throwing water on the man.

Figure 29: The monk prayed before they can start their very late breakfast and early lunch. Buddhist monks do not eat anything from 12 pm to 12 am.

Photos by Tongngy Kaing | FHI 360

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