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Embark on an extraordinary adventure with Asia King Travel, as we shall journey into the South of Laos to uncover the vibrant traditions and spiritual essence of the Boun Wat Phou Festival, an immersive celebration set amidst the ancient ruins of this captivating land.
People gathering to attend Boun Wat Phou
Nestled along the serene banks of the Mekong River in southern Laos, the town of Champasak attracts travelers with its timeless charm. Renowned for its spiritual significance, Champasak is home to the Wat Phou temple complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Wat Phou, along with the lesser-known Khmer temples in Southern Laos, were built as early as the tenth century BC, with architectural styles resembling those of Angkor, Cambodia, since the regions that make up modern-day Laos were under Khmer rule at the time. Wat Phou, which means "mountain temple," was originally constructed in honor of Shiva, a Hindu divinity. Later on, it was transformed into a Buddhist sanctuary, which it still is today.
Wat Phou Temple enlightened during the festival
This temple has great spiritual value among Lao people, particularly during the annual Boun Wat Phou Festival. Festival-goers are drawn into a world of cultural immersion, where the air is filled with the sounds of traditional music, the aroma of incense wafts through the streets, and locals and visitors alike gather to celebrate amidst the ancient ruins.
Read more: Wat Phou
Boun Wat Phou is the largest festival in Southern Laos. It is a three-day Buddhist celebration that takes place during the full moon of the third lunar month, usually in February, at Wat Phou Temple, Champasak. The ceremonies culminate on the day of the full moon with a morning offering of alms to the monks, followed in the evening by a “viang thian” (circumambulation) ceremony with candlelight.
Dancing ceremonies during Boun Wat Phou
Throughout the three-day festival, people engage in a variety of activities. They climb around the hill, stopping to pray and leave offerings of flowers and incense. The festival is more commercial than ever, with musical events such as concerts, traditional dancing, and elephant parades with bands coming from as far away as Vientiane. There are also sporting events such as boxing matches, boat races, cockfights, petanque, and volleyball tournaments.
Although celebrated annually, the actual festival date varies to coincide with the Lao Lunar Calendar. The celebration is held on the 15th day of the third lunar month because Buddha is said to have taught the core teachings of Buddhism during this time. According to legend, thousands of Buddha's devotees traveled to India on those dates many years ago on their own initiative to see him. They were then labeled as “enlightened ones” by Buddha, and were given his core teachings of Buddhism to pass on. The teaching goes the following: “Cease from evil, do good, and cleanse your mind”.
The exact date of the festival will be announced 1-2 months before it takes place.
Wat Phou is a place of great significance for the Lao people, not only as a place to pray for good luck during the annual festival but also as a place to teach future generations about the nation's rich religious and cultural heritage.
People in Champasak always made an effort to take their families and kids to Wat Phou on Boun Wat Phou in order to pray for good health and fortune as well as to teach their kids and grandkids more about the cultural customs of the country.
People praying by burning incense sticks
The festival provides an opportunity for spiritual connection for the local community. In addition, the festival becomes a rallying point for the community, with music performances, dance, elephant processions and sports competitions. The local authority of Champasak believes that the festival will not only celebrate the cultural and religious values of the region but also will be a way to promote tourism as well.
Boun Wat Phou is a special festival in Laos, in which not only Lao people celebrate the festival but also Buddhists from Thailand and Cambodia gather as well. In addition to the locals and Buddhists, many tourists visiting Laos also join in the festive atmosphere when Boun Wat Phou takes place.
People releasing lanterns symbolizing hope and good luck
During the Boun Wat Phou festival, participants and visitors can immerse themselves in a multitude of engaging activities:
To sum up, the Boun Wat Phou festival is an amazing celebration that truly captures the heart and soul of Laos. It's a time when people come together to honor their traditions, share joy, and create unforgettable memories. If you want to experience the magic of this festival and explore Laos, don't hesitate to reach out to us for the best tour options.
