Feature: That Luang festival expected to ignite consumption in Laos

VIENTIANE, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) — The Lao capital Vientiane is expecting an influx of tourists and a consumption boom during the annual That Luang festival from Monday to Friday.
The festival features some of Laos’ most iconic and longstanding traditions and is hugely popular among visitors because of the colorful pageantry on display.
“The That Luang festival is one of the biggest and most colorful celebrations in Laos, and I believe that people nationwide look forward to this joyful and meaningful event,” Somsamai, a vendor selling traditional handicrafts at the festival, told Xinhua.
“Besides domestic tourists, I also think that the festival is a good occasion for foreign visitors to visit Laos, as they can immerse themselves in a splendid traditional Lao atmosphere and experience Laos’ culture and customs,” she added.
Apart from being a tourist draw, the festival serves to preserve some of the country’s finest traditions, and is an annual reinforcement of long-held customs that are dear to the Lao people, Viengphone Keokhounsy, director of Vientiane’s Department of Information, Culture and Tourism, told a press conference recently.
The highlights of the festival are the wax castle procession and almsgiving to monks. The wax castle procession will take place on Thursday, and the final day of the festival will feature almsgiving in the morning.
“The That Luang festival is a big and important event and people from all over the country come to worship at the stupa and join in the activities. The festival also provides a platform for local artisans and producers to showcase their goods, promote Lao culture, and support the local economy,” said Manivanh, a food vendor at the festival.
As well as the homage paid to the stupa itself, there will be a street fair selling products from local and international vendors.
“One of the best things this year is a free bus service for everyone wishing to attend the festival, which helps reduce traffic congestion and prevent accidents during the festival,” said Pakaiyfa, a 22-year-old student.
The Vientiane Capital State Bus Enterprise will provide a free bus service during the festival, operating on nine routes from 5:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. local time.
The That Luang festival is one of the most important religious festivals in Laos. Its main religious activities include traditional wax castle procession and almsgiving. ■