(KPL) Vientiane will host a grand Lao New Year celebration for the Buddhist Year 1388, featuring a ceremonial procession of sacred Buddha images from temples across the capital.

The event is scheduled for Tuesday, April 14, 2026, beginning at Wat Inpeng in Chanthabouly District, followed by a procession through the city.

In preparation for the celebration, organizers have arranged fragrant and scented water for ritual pouring over Buddha images and venerable monks. The public will also be able to participate by sprinkling water, while monks will bless attendees with holy water along the procession route.

The day’s activities will begin at 7:30 a.m., when members of the monastic order and the organizing committee will gather at Wat Ong Teu.

At 8:00 a.m., a ceremony will be held to invoke the protective spirit of the Lao nation (Aradhana Mon Phra Ming Mueang Lao), which will then be enshrined on a royal chariot.

At 9:00 a.m., leaders from the Party, State, mass organizations, and representatives of Lao multi-ethnic groups will enter the ordination hall (sim) to perform a merit-making ceremony. This will include paying respects, pouring scented water, and offering floral garlands to the revered Buddha image Ong Teu inside the sim.

Following this, the presiding committee will lead a ceremonial offering to 12 sacred Buddha images of Vientiane Capital, as well as to spirit houses and monk residences arranged around Wat Ong Teu.

After a break for refreshments and lunch, the ceremony will resume at 12:30 p.m. at the ordination hall of Wat Inpeng. The sacred Buddha images will be invited onto royal chariots and ceremonial vehicles, accompanied by traditional Kabinraphom music, marking the start of the procession through the city.

The celebration is expected to attract large numbers of residents and visitors, highlighting the rich cultural and religious traditions of Laos during the Lao New Year festival.

KPL