(KPL) Borikhamxay authorities last Friday officially declared the Phabath-Phonsan Temple as a provincial cultural heritage site.

The announcement ceremony was held in Thaphabath district of Borikhamxay Province to coincide with the Vat Phabath-Phonsan festival which was held from January 20-23.

The event was attended by Vice Governor of Borikhamxay Province, Mr Souvanny Xaysana, a representative of Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, and local people.

The Phabath-Phonsan Temple was established in 902 (Buddhist era), covers 1,200 ha, and is located adjacent to Road No. 13 South near Na village.  In 1993, locals discovered a 2.4 x 1.2 metre Buddha footprint, and built Vat Phabath around it.

Devotees make merit by placing gold leaves on the Phabath (Buddha footprint), and every year in mid-January, the temple holds a festival to pay homage to the Phabath.

The temple is a cultural tourist site that attracts several visitors, both domestic and foreign, to come to pay their respects and worship here.

The adjoining Phonsan stupa sits on sprawling green grounds on the Mekong riverside, and is believed to be a sacred place where Buddha once took his meals.

The stupa is also known for the annual Naga rocket festival during October's full moon, when the Mekong launches mysterious coloured fireballs.

Borikhamxay province is well known for its rich culture, nature and history with ancient sites and sacred Buddha statues present in every district.

Last year, more than 300,000 tourists visited Borikhamxay Province.

KPL