The 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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