Laos is a country where Buddhism is considered the National religion. Almost every month in year, there are also festivals celebrated in Laos. Of which, the Pha That Luang is the largest religious festivals and brings unique characteristics of Lao Culture. The festival attracts the attention of a large number of tribal groups across the country and People from northeastern province of Thailand as well as international visitors all over the world. Indochina tours
Situated to the east of Vientiane, Pha That Luang temple is the largest and the most beautiful temple tower in Laos as cultural symbol representing the creativity of Laotians. The temple was built in the sixteenth century when the Kingdom of Lan Xang (called Million Elephants) was moved from Luong Prabang to Vientiane.
Pha That Luang temple, the largest and the most beautiful temple tower in Laos
Legend has it that Pha That Luang is one of the few Buddhist temples in the world which keeps relics of Gautama Buddha when entering Nirvana. Old bibliographic of the temple records that in this area in 236 Buddhist calendar, the year 307 BC, people built a temple. When Buddhism became the state religion and Vientiane became a new capital, along with the construction of palaces, castles, temples, the King had Pha That Luang restored and wrapped up their old by a new tower with its and larger and more beautiful appearance and its architecture was preserved until today. Laos tours packages
The tower has a square pedestal with 68m wide for each North and South side and each 69m wide for the rests. The surroundings are decorated by 322 stylized bodhi leaf. Apart from the 45m high main tower, it also has 30 other small towers symbolizing 30 years of Buddha Shakyamuni leading a religious life to become a Buddha. On every small towers are the inscribed the Bali embossed words as precious teachings of the Buddha.
Architecture of the temple was preserved until today
Pha That Luang festival takes place on the full moon day in December according to Buddhist calendar, lasting one week and ending on the full moon day of the month. Beside the religious ceremony, the festival also brings trade fairs exhibiting and trading goods. There are thousands of exhibition goods which are products ranging from the agricultural, industrial, handicraft of the branches and localities in the country and the neighbor country.
In two days to full moon, the religious part of That Luang Festival starts in the evening at Vat Si Muang, where the city pillar of the capital had ever been located. Buddhists bring “Phasat Pherng” or wax-made castle, and turn around the main hall three times, in honor of the core of the city. The sacred procession continues the following day, moving to That Luang Stupa, which is the national symbol of Laos.
The sacred procession in the Pha That Luang Festival
In the last day of festival, thousands of monks and lay people gather from all over the country for receiving and giving alms in this occasion, one of the most sacred moments of the festival. As usual, the festival will end by a colorful fireworks contest as making impression with the tourists that do not forget to attend the next – year festival.
Fireworks taking place in the end of the festival
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