Chanthabouly District Administration Chairman Sengathit Phimmouang, head of the festival organising committee, announced the preparations at a press conference on October 14.

The annual festival aims to preserve Lao cultural and religious traditions, attract domestic and international visitors, promote local products under the One District, One Product (ODOP) initiative and stimulate local economic activity.

Religious activities will include a blessing ceremony at a sacred site at 7 a.m. on October 20. On October 26, monks will conduct Boun Ork Phansa chanting ceremonies from 3 a.m. to 4 a.m., followed by alms-giving and offerings to the Sangha at 7 a.m.

A candlelight procession, known as Vien Thien, and the launching of illuminated boats, known as Lai Heua Fai, are scheduled for 7 p.m. on October 26.

Cultural performances, fireworks and traditional festivities will begin at 8 p.m. at Chao Anouvong Park and the Victory Monument grounds. Visitors can also view illuminated boats and float traditional krathong offerings along designated areas of the Mekong River waterfront.

For safety reasons, organisers have prohibited people from taking boats or floating offerings into the middle of the Mekong River.

Sengathit called on government agencies, civil servants, military personnel, police and residents across Vientiane Capital to participate in the celebrations, help maintain public security and order, and keep festival areas clean.

Boun Ork Phansa marks the end of Buddhist Lent and is traditionally observed across Laos with religious ceremonies and community celebrations. The accompanying boat racing festival is an annual cultural event that brings residents and visitors together along the Mekong River.

KPL