In Laos, each Buddhist male is expected to serve as a monk for at least one year. They reside in monasteries and are not allowed to work. There are 18 monasteries in Luang Prabang, with 1200 monks in all ages, out of a population of 16000. Monks wake up before sunrise and by six AM walk in long lines, also known as the morning procession, in the main streets of the city. The monks receive their sticky rice from the population in special bowels. Those who feed them believe that they accrue some merit.