President joins almsgivers at Vat Phou temple festival

President Thongloun Sisoulith and his wife Naly Sisoulith joined a large crowd of people giving alms and making donations to monks at Vat Phou temple on February 24, marking the last day of the three-day annual festival to celebrate the world heritage site temple complex in Champassak province.

President Thongloun Sisoulith (left), senior officials and Buddhist devotees give alms to monks. --Photo Lao News Agency

Provincial Governor Dr Vilayvong Bouddakham and other senior officials from central and local state departments joined the merit making event, the Lao News Agency reported.
The annual festival and almsgiving are rituals that have been practised for generations and are beloved by the Lao people as part of their strong cultural traditions. 
The festival also marked the start of the Visit Laos Year 2024 programme in the southern province following the national launch of the tourism promotion campaign a few months ago in Vientiane. 
The festive event featured numerous colourful activities including a show about the origins of the temple complex, a concert, parades by local residents, an exhibition of local products, almsgiving, and a candlelight procession, Deputy Director of the Champassak provincial Information, Culture and Tourism Department, Mr Soulin Phetthany, told the Vientiane Times.
Visitors to the ancient temple site, which is spread over a large area and was listed as a world heritage site by UNESCO in 2001, can learn about the history of these fascinating stone structures.
The ruins of Vat Phou temple can be found in rural Champassak district and are more than 1,000 years old. The festival is held to revere the temple ruins and allow people to marvel at the origins of this impressive structure and the ancient culture it represents.
Tourists can enter the site from 8am to 5pm every day to worship at Buddha images and take pictures of the many stone structures and panoramic views.
With the province’s Visit Laos Year programme now underway, visitors to Champassak can expect more events throughout the year, allowing enjoyment of the area’s many natural and historical attractions.
Well-known natural wonders include the Khonphapheng, Tad Fan and Tad Yeuang waterfalls, while activities on offer range from adventurous treks and ziplining to rest and recuperation in the lap of nature.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update February 26, 2024)