Every morning in Theravada Buddhist societies, the monks gather their alms bowls around 6AM. Drums wake the people to notify them that the monks are Every morning in Theravada Buddhist societies, the monks gather their alms bowls around 6AM. Drums wake the people to notify them that the monks are coming. The monks then walk throughout their neighborhood collecting food they will eat for the day. The tradition dates back to the time of the Buddha. more >> <<less