Chanthaburi: Get to know "Offering Leaves to Monks," a unique and creative activity held in Chanthaburi province as part of the "Green Breath of Chanthaburi" ecotourism project, which emphasizes sustainable and environmentally friendly tourism by integrating nature, culture, and community lifestyles. The alms-giving ceremony with leaves was held at Wat Khao Bannachop, Chaman Subdistrict, Makham District, Chanthaburi Province. The temple is situated amidst lush natural surroundings of forests, streams, and orchards, bordered by the Khao Soi Dao and Khao Khitchakut mountain ranges, separated by the Thung Phlae stream.
According to Thai News Agency, the leaf alms-giving activity builds upon the already famous hidden gem of Wat Khao Bannajob: the giant, unseen tree, "The Gate of the Tree Spirits, the Gate of Heaven." It is believed that anyone who walks through this gate will have a long life, inspired by the 1,000-year-old giant Somphong tree at the temple. The "Leaf Alms Giving" activity, organized by the Ban Thung Phla community, emphasizes the creative use of natural materials for wrapping food. Instead of plastic bags, leaves are used to design and wrap food for alms giving to monks in the morning.
This eco-friendly (Zero Waste) alms-giving event uses local leaves, flowers, and natural materials to wrap food. Participants join in placing food into alms bowls for monks while experiencing the natural atmosphere and the lifestyle of local farmers in Ban Thung Phlae. The activity is part of the 5 Green concept of the "Green Breath of Chanthaburi" event, which includes Green Logistics, Green Gastronomy, Green Activities, Green Accommodation, and Green Heart.
The ceremony, known as "Tak Bat Bai Mai" (offering food to monks with leaves), uses leaves or banana leaves instead of modern packaging, promoting environmental conservation. After the ceremony, the leaves decompose naturally, leaving no residue. The food offered includes local dishes, such as Pad Thai with Chantaburi noodles, regional curries, stir-fried vegetables, and seasonal fruits, all chosen to be easy to wrap in banana leaves.
Local fruit sweets like bananas, durian, and mangosteen are often wrapped in leaves or placed in banana leaf cups, maintaining the eco-friendly theme. The offering process involves wrapping the food in folded banana leaves, placing them on a tray, and then into the alms bowl, creating a beautiful and natural presentation that leaves no waste.