Poy Sang Long, a Buddhist initiation ritual for novice monks, will be held 3-6 April in Mae Hong Son province. Boys aged seven to 14 years are ordained as novices to learn Buddhist doctrines. Traditionally, the boys have their heads shaved before the ceremony, and during the rite they wear make-up and are dressed in brightly-colored robes. They are carried around the temple on the shoulders of their older male relatives, and their families receive generous alms from friends and relatives.
The festivities, which typically last four to five days, include flamboyant processions and spectacular performances. On the last day, the boys are escorted to Chong Kham and Chong Klang Temples, where they take their monastic vows. After the ceremony, they will stay in the monastery for from a week to many months.