Laos observes biggest religious ceremony

Tens of thousands of Lao nationals and tourists, together with the country's leaders, gathered at the annual almsgiving ceremony of the That Luang Festival, the biggest religious ceremony of the country, in capital Vientiane on Monday.

The religious ceremony to pay homage to the That Luang stupa on Monday morning was attended by Lao communist party and government leaders including President Bounnhang Vorachit and his predecessor Choummaly Sayasone, Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith, along with other senior officials, and country representatives of foreign embassies and non-governmental organizations.

Traditionally the almsgiving ceremony, along with the playing of the traditional games Tee Khee and the candlelit procession marching around the grand stupa, were also held on the waxing moon of December of the Lao lunar calendar marking the end of the annual celebration, according to Lao News Agency on Monday.

This year's festival holds greater significance than usual as it marks the 450th anniversary of the building of the nation's iconic symbol, the golden That Luang stupa. There was also an extra surprise in store for visitors as there were several exhibitions featuring a traditional village and various aspects of the Lao lifestyle since the 16th century.

Built in 1566 by King Setthathirat, That Luang is the national symbol and most important religious monument in Laos. The That Luang Festival or Boun That Luang is Vientiane's most important Buddhist festival. Endit