Lao people across the country converged in Vientiane this week to celebrate the That Luang (great stupa) Festival which also marks the 450th anniversary of the national landmark.

This year’s That Luang Festival falls on Nov 12-14. This year the organising committee of the event made its celebration much more interesting than in previous years.  Replicas of houses Lao people lived in during ancient times were exhibited along with depictions of the old life of Lao people. 

A lotus naga garden built to please festival goers is among the highlights of this year’s festival.

The rectangle-like garden is decorated with a wide variety of colourful flowers and features two nagas on both sides of the grass like pavement.  Artificial islands of flowers were placed in the middle of the garden.  

Some space of the That Luang ground was reserved for displays of the so-called One District One Products (ODOP), cultural and tourism products, and shows of fine cultural performances unique to localities.

The opening ceremony for the festival witnessed the presence of Vice President Mr Phankham Viphavanh, Mayor of Vientiane Capital Mr Sinlavong Khoutphaythoune, along with other senior officials and Vientiane residents.

Built in 1566 by King Setthathirat, That Luang is the national symbol and most important religious monument in Laos and Vientiane’s most important Buddhist festival is the That Luang Festival or Boun That Luang.

The festival is held during the full moon days of the twelfth lunar month. This year’s festival falls on Nov 12-14.

Source:
courtesy of KPL NEWS AGENCY

by Phetsamone Phommuny

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