By Soukthavy Thephavong

(KPL) Religious leaders and government senior officials on October 2 took part in a ritual held at That Luang to signify the melting of the gold that will be used to coat That Luang.

Senior officials in attendance included Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith and Vientiane Mayor Sinlavong Khouphaythoune.

“The coating of the stupa is among the activities of the 4^th Phra That Luang Renovation. The melted gold will be used to coat the apex of Phra That Luang,” said Vice Vientiane Mayor Sihoun Sitthileuxay.

The 4^th Phra That Luang Renovation Project was launched in 2008 on the occasion of the celebration of the 450^th anniversary of Vientiane as the capital city. However, because of the lack of financial resources, the renovation project was delayed.  However, a few renovation projects were completed such as the renovation of the corridors and the paving of That Luang Square.

The ongoing renovation includes the repair of the spherical part of the stupa at the very top, at the base of the stupa, its corridors, gates and doors as well as the gold coating of the Phra That Luang apex, according to Mr Sihoun.

The renovation of Phra That Luang is estimated to cost over 15 billion kip (almost 1.85 million), according to Mr Sihoun.

Currently over 11 kilograms of gold and more than 146 million kip have been donated by individuals and the business community for the renovation of That Luang along with over THB 2 million, over US$340 and CNY 500.

Pha That Luang, the iconic symbol of Vientiane Capital, is a huge golden stupa built in 1566.      

“This is the fourth major renovation of Phra That Luang though other smaller renovations were recorded in 1819, 1930, 1976, 1993, and 1996,” said Mr Sihoun.

“Once the stupa is fully renovated, Vientiane Capital will celebrate the 450^th anniversary of That Luang from November 12-14, 2016,” added Mr Sihoun.

KPL