KPL
Tens of thousands of Buddhist devotees gathered in Vientiane this morning for the annual almsgiving ceremony honoring the That Luang Festival, Laos’ largest religious celebration.
(KPL) – Tens of thousands of Buddhist devotees gathered in Vientiane this morning for the annual almsgiving ceremony honoring the That Luang Festival, Laos’ largest religious celebration.
Held in the courtyard of the That Luang stupa, the event brought together citizens from across the country along with top officials, including President Thongloun Sisoulith, high-ranking government leaders, and representatives from foreign embassies and NGOs.
During the ceremony, monks and worshippers offered alms and paid homage to the That Luang stupa, a revered symbol of the Lao nation. The ceremony is a sacred tradition for many Lao people, who use the occasion to honor their ancestors, dedicate merit to spirits, and pray for the departed.
The ceremony marks the closing of the That Luang Festival, held annually on the waxing moon of the 12th month in the Lao lunar calendar. As part of the festivities, participants also enjoy traditional games, such as Tee Khee, in the afternoon, followed by an evening candlelit procession around the grand stupa, enriching the cultural and spiritual significance of the event.
KPL
