Lao people celebrate That Luang festival.

Taking place amidst the vibrant atmosphere of the Lao Tourism Year 2024, the That Luang festival was grandly organized, attracting the participation of a large number of locals and tourists.

The That Luang Festival takes place from November 23-27 in Vientiane, the capital of Laos. Coinciding with this year's That Luang Festival opening ceremony is the official opening of the Lao Tourism Year 2024. In the photo: Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandon strikes the gong to officially open the Lao Tourism Year 2024 at That Luang Square in Vientiane on the evening of November 23. (Photo: Laotian Times)

The Lao Tourism Year 2024 is themed “A Paradise of Culture, Nature and History”. The Lao government expects that with thorough preparation in all aspects, the Lao Tourism Year 2024 will attract at least 4.6 million domestic and international tourists, generating approximately US$700 million in revenue. (Photo: The opening ceremony of the Lao Tourism Year 2024 featured many spectacular cultural performances.)

That Luang Festival is the biggest religious festival of the year in Laos. The festival is held at Pha That Luang – the largest and most beautiful temple in Laos, and considered a symbol of the country. The image of Pha That Luang temple is featured on Lao currency and the national emblem. (Photo: Pathedlao)

One of the main activities of the That Luang festival is the Phasatpheung procession (the procession of the stupa) from the mother temple Simuong to Pha That Luang. The Phasatpheung procession is led by a group of monks under the Lao flag and Buddhist flag. (Photo: Pathedlao)

Wax towers, made from lightweight materials, feature stylized temple architecture in various sizes, topped with fresh flowers and attached tassels or banknotes to pray for good fortune, blessings, and prosperity. (Photo: Vientiane Mai)

Accompanied by the sounds of reed pipes, gongs, drums, and other traditional Lao musical instruments, thousands of people participate in the Phasatpheung procession in traditional costumes, creating a vibrant atmosphere. (Photo: Pathedlao)

The Phasatpheung procession is one of the rituals that the people of Laos have inherited and promoted for over four centuries. (Photo: Vientiane Mai)

People perform the Xaybat (offering) ritual at the That Luang festival. (Photo: Pathedlao)

During the five days of the That Luang Festival 2023, the Organizing Committee also arranged a trade fair to showcase and sell handicrafts, industrial goods, and household items produced in Laos and other countries. (Photo: People visiting and shopping at the trade fair.)

During the That Luang festival, the traditional folk game "Tị Khi" (hockey) attracted much attention from locals and tourists. (Photo: Laophattana News)

The game "Ti Khi" symbolizes a prayer for peace, harmony between superiors and subordinates, unity and reunion, a peaceful country, and prosperous people. (Photo: Laophattana News)

Phuong Dang

(According to Laotian Times, Pathedlao, Vientiane Mai, Laophattana News)

Source: https://baohatinh.vn/van-hoa-ha-tinh/nguoi-lao-vui-hoi-that-luang/257931.htm