Boun That Luang Procession

The annual Boun That Luang (or That Luang Festival) in Vientiane is a week-long from 22nd to 28th November 2012.

On the day before the full moon (27 November this year), a procession of faithfuls and lay-people from all 18 provinces formed the colourful procession to Pha That Luang (The Golden Stupa). The crowd was just fantastic, very lively with music, drums and singing. They performed their traditional dances and songs of their provinces and villages. Many are dressed in their colourful traditional costumes.

On the early morning of the final day of the festival, thousands of monks from the provinces, who had been camping in the temples of the stupa, would circumambulate 3 times in procession around the stupa. Unfortunately, I had to skip this event as I need to go to work.

On the final night, the full moon night which falls on 28 November this year, the stupa was fully lighted up. There was a large crowd lining up in front of the stupa gate to go into the grounds of the stupa. They carry flowers and candles as offerings to Budhha.

It is an event not to be missed if you in Vientiane. I am very fortunate that this time my consultancy work programme in Vientiane coincided with this festival. It was a field day for photography.

If you plan to come to Laos for a holiday, you must coincide your trip with this That Luang Festival.

Blogger in blue shirt - Odd man out without any offerings!

The Golden Stupa fully lighted.

Waiting for the Stupa Gate to be opened. A Monk was chanting before the opening of the gate

The crowd waiting to circumulate the stupa.