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major festivals of Laos are integrally related to the
Theravada Buddhism. Laos celebrates myriad festivals
around the year with gusto. There are about twenty five
festivals celebrated on Laos from January to December.
World Travel 4 Indians compiles a handy guide for you
to get acquainted with the festivals of Laos.
January
Bun Pha Vet – This
festival is centered around the temple where the birth
story of
Buddha's reincarnation as King Vestsantara is recited.
February
Marha Puha - The festival commemorates
the speech given by Buddha to more than twelve thousand
monks. The worshippers circling the local wat, candle
in hand and the holy chanting of the mantras in the
background creates a beatifying ambience.
Vietnamese Tet and Chinese New Year
– This is a more energetic festival of Laos with lots
of fire crackers and merry celebrations. The Vietnamese
and Chinese population pay visit to their respective
temples.
Sikhaotabong Festival – This festival
is held in the stupa with the same name.
Wat Phu Festival - Elephant racing, cock fighting and
Lao musical and dance performances are the highlights
of this festival.
March
Boun Khoun Khao – This is the harvest
festival.
April
Boun Pimai – It is one of the most
important Laos festival celebrating the Lao New Year.
Pi Mai - Lunar New Year is celebrated
with a fervor and offerings of fruits and flowers are
made in the temples.
May
Visakha Puja – This is again a temple
festival that commemorates the birth, enlightenment
and death of Buddha
Boun Bang Fai – This is a ritualistic
rain invoking ceremony.
June and July
Khao Phansao – This is the period
which marks the beginning of the rains and the retreat
of the monks into their monastery.
August
Haw Khao Padap Din – This festival
involves the paying of respect to those who have left
for the heavenly abode.
September
Boun Ok Phansa and the Boat
racing Festival are the major celebration
during this month.
October
The Bun Nam and the Boat
Racing Festivals are characterized by competitive
boat races
Awk Phansao - This celebrates the
termination of the three months retreat of the monks
after which the monks are permitted to leave the temples.
November
Boun That Luang – This is a colorful
festival of Laos that incorporates fairs, contests and
processions.
December
Lao National Day – A day of pride
for the Laotians, who celebrate the triumph of the proletariat
over the monarchy.
World Travel 4 Indians is an international travel site
and a repository of useful information on Festivals
of Laos and other countries around the world.
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