VIENTIANE: The golden That Luang stupa was surrounded by colour and music on Tuesday (Nov 4) as thousands took part in the traditional wax castle parade, a spectacular highlight of this year’s That Luang festival.
The colourful procession began in the early afternoon at Vat Nongbone, when groups from various districts of the capital carried beautifully crafted yellow wax pyramids towards the sacred Pha That Luang stupa.
Each structure, elaborately decorated with candles, flowers and banknotes, symbolised devotion and the hope of good fortune in the coming year.
Among those taking part in the parade were Minister of Culture and Tourism Suanesavanh Vignaket, Governor of the Bank of the Lao PDR Bounkham Vorachit, and the wives of other Party and government leaders, reflecting the importance of the event as both a religious and cultural celebration.
Onlookers cheered as participants wearing traditional dress and ethnic costumes walked to the sound of gongs and drums across the That Luang esplanade. Many waved Lao flags and took photos as the parade wound its way to the stupa, which gleamed under the late-afternoon sun.
More than 5,000 people took part in this year’s parade, including monks, government officials, members of community organisations, students, and people from around the country.
The parade is believed to bring merit to people and their families who assemble the wax pyramids. Carefully created by households and community groups, they are decorated with flowers, banknotes and candles, then carried in procession to the stupa where devotees circle the monument three times in an act of homage.
They then place them near the stupa as offerings, earning merit for themselves and their families, while also strengthening community ties.
Locals say the wax castle parade is not only a religious tradition but also a symbol of national pride and unity. Families and young people share in this devotional activity, taking the opportunity to express gratitude and wish for peace and prosperity.
The That Luang festival, which runs from November 1 to 5, also features traditional music and dance performances, a mass alms-giving ceremony, a trade fair and food stalls selling local products.
This year, a special exhibition is highlighting the beauty of Lao handicrafts and silk weaving to promote local industry and tourism.
The alms-giving ceremony takes place on Wednesday morning, followed by a traditional Laos-style hockey game (ti khi) in the afternoon, and a candlelight procession in the evening to bring the festival to a close.
The police, emergency medical teams, and volunteers have been deployed to assist with crowd control and first aid. Stalls selling food, drinks and souvenirs line the main roads, creating a festive atmosphere and doing a brisk trade.
The festival is regarded as Laos’ most significant religious and cultural event. It pays tribute to the revered That Luang stupa—believed to enshrine a relic of the Buddha—and serves as a reminder of the enduring strength of Lao culture and faith. - Vientiane Times/ANN
