Exploring Laos - Unmissable Unique Festivals

The land of a million elephants annually hosts distinctive festivals, showcasing its rich Buddhist cultural heritage. When traveling to Laos, these are the festivals you cannot miss!

Exploring Laos - Unmissable Unique Festivals

“Water Splashing Festival” Bunpimay

Bunpimay takes place in April every year according to the Buddhist calendar, attracting many locals and tourists to participate in the festivities. Vang Vieng and the ancient capital Luang Prabang are the most popular destinations during this festival season. Instead of traditional New Year’s greetings, Laotians splash water on each other to wish for prosperity, favorable weather, and a warm, fulfilling new year.

To express respect and good wishes, younger individuals splash water on their elders. Additionally, people splash water on houses, altars, pets, and tools of production. They believe that clean and cool water will wash away misfortune and illness, wishing for a peaceful and healthy new year. The more soaked one becomes, the happier they are believed to be.

If you're traveling in Laos these days, be prepared to receive water blessings and mentally prepare to get soaked from head to toe, even while driving or walking. The best approach is to immerse yourself in the crowd with water containers and take good care of your electronic devices.

Thạt Luổng Festival

The Thạt Luổng Festival embodies the Buddhist culture prominently, considered the most distinctive festival in the land of a million elephants. Thạt Luổng in Lao means big tower, symbolizing the country, it's the largest and most beautiful temple in the land.

The festival runs from November 9th to November 11th in the capital Vientiane. The main part of the Thạt Luổng Festival is the procession of Phạ Sạt Phơng from Mẹ Xỉ Mương Temple to Thạt Luổng. Upon arrival at Thạt Luổng, the bearers of Phạ Sạt Phơng circle the tower three times before stopping at the rear hall for a solemn offering ceremony, which is then graciously received by the monks.

Attending the Thạt Luổng Festival, besides participating in religious rituals and offering prayers to the Buddha, tourists can enjoy traditional dishes, take part in various cultural and artistic exchange activities, purchase finely crafted handicrafts...

Boat Racing Festival (Suang Huea)

The Suang Huea Boat Racing Festival on the Mekong River is one of Laos' major festivals, occurring at the end of the three-month Lenten season (on the full moon day of the 11th month according to the Buddhist calendar). The festival usually features 23 racing teams with 12-paddler and 55-paddler boats. The spirit of sportsmanship, unity, civility, and fairness is vividly displayed at the festival, where the rowers from different teams participate in the boat race, offering spectators thrilling competitions in the eyes of Laotian tourists.

Suang Huea has existed since ancient times, and its exact founding date remains unclear. Suang Huea also serves as an occasion for the Laotian people to express gratitude to the heavens, earth, and rivers for their benevolence, ensuring bountiful harvests and prosperous lives, showing gratitude to the Water Dragon (paya nak) for bringing favorable rains and gentle winds...

Bun Bangfai Rain-Seeking Festival

In Laos, around mid-May, the Bun Bangfai rain-seeking festival takes place on different days in various locations and scattered throughout the month. Naxone Village in Pakngum District, Vientiane, hosts the largest festival compared to other villages, attracting numerous Laotians and Laotian tourists to immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere.

Prior to the festival, the giant rockets used in the festival are adorned with colorful patterned cloth and paraded around the village. Each festival day sees 2-3 giant rockets launched into the sky. These rockets are mainly made by contributions from villages or individuals, businesses, seeking prosperity for the upcoming year.

Okphansa Vegetarian Festival

Held on the full moon day of the 11th month in the Lao Buddhist calendar (around late October in the Gregorian calendar), the Vegetarian Festival is a time for monks and devotees to gather at temples to reflect on their actions during the three-month Lenten period and draw lessons. On the main day of the festival, adults go to the temple to pay homage to the Buddha, make offerings, and seek blessings. Younger people flock to the Mekong River for festivities, meeting friends, and shopping. On the final night, monks conduct a candlelit procession around the temple to commemorate the boundless virtues of the Buddha and remember his teachings.

The streets from the temples to the riverbank are crowded with festival-goers. Tens of thousands of people, men and women alike, carry round flower boats made of banana stems or coconut leaves adorned with flowers such as jasmine, marigold, and lotus. In the middle, there are sparkling candles, which are released into the water along with countless good wishes for life.

Traveling in Laos becomes even more fascinating when participating in the highly distinctive religious festivals and beliefs of the local people. Contact Mytour to receive the best deals on Laos tours and explore more travel guides to enhance your perfect journey!

Source: Mytour

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Reference: Travel Guide by Mytour