VIENTIANE (Vientiane Times/ANN) -- The six-day Vat
Phou festival in Champassak province, which runs from February 20-25,
officially opened with a colourful ceremony on Friday.
President of the Lao Front for National Construction Dr Phanduangchit Vongsa, Champassak provincial Governor Dr Sonexay Siphandone, Deputy Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Mr Buangeun Xaphouvong and foreign ambassadors to Laos and other senior officials were present at the event.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the province's Deputy Governor Dr Bounthong commented that the Vat Phou festival is the second largest event of its kind in Laos behind the That Luang festival in Vientiane in terms of the number of attendees.
“Overall, the number of visitors to Champassak is increasing each year. In 2012, about 100,600 people visited the ancient temple ruin - a 25 percent increase over the previous year,” he said.
The increase indicated the importance of the historical complex, he added, but noted that Vat Phou is only one of 212 designated tourist attractions in the province.
“Vat Phou Champassak was listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2001. It was the second such site in Laos to be included in this category, after Luang Praba ng,” Dr Bounthong said.
The Vat Phou festival is an annual event which takes place each February. It features a wide variety of activities and brings in hordes of visitors to see the fabled temple ruins.
This year, the opening ceremony featured a parade of 150 performers including those taking part in nightly plays about the history of the ancient structure.
The sound-and-light performances transported audiences back in time thanks to the sensations invoked by the production with its dramatic portrayal of days gone by.
The shows also provided an insight into Lao history dating back to the 5th century, showcasing southern Lao culture and narrating the incredible feat of how the huge temple was built.
Another interesting play recalled the legend of Thao Bachieng and his beloved Nang Malong, two star-struck lovers who end up not marrying, despite all their hopes and dreams.
In addition to the cultural aspects of the festival, more than 240 booths have been set up, giving visitors the chance to shop for clothing, traditional garments, and handicrafts such as pottery, bamboo items and woven baskets.
Today is the final day of the festival. This evening, local Buddhists and other participants will attend an almsgiving ceremony and take part in a candlelit procession. Some 4,000 lanterns will be lit and people will place candlelit boats in the ponds of the temple complex, bringing the event to a spectacular close.
President of the Lao Front for National Construction Dr Phanduangchit Vongsa, Champassak provincial Governor Dr Sonexay Siphandone, Deputy Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Mr Buangeun Xaphouvong and foreign ambassadors to Laos and other senior officials were present at the event.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the province's Deputy Governor Dr Bounthong commented that the Vat Phou festival is the second largest event of its kind in Laos behind the That Luang festival in Vientiane in terms of the number of attendees.
“Overall, the number of visitors to Champassak is increasing each year. In 2012, about 100,600 people visited the ancient temple ruin - a 25 percent increase over the previous year,” he said.
The increase indicated the importance of the historical complex, he added, but noted that Vat Phou is only one of 212 designated tourist attractions in the province.
“Vat Phou Champassak was listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2001. It was the second such site in Laos to be included in this category, after Luang Praba ng,” Dr Bounthong said.
The Vat Phou festival is an annual event which takes place each February. It features a wide variety of activities and brings in hordes of visitors to see the fabled temple ruins.
This year, the opening ceremony featured a parade of 150 performers including those taking part in nightly plays about the history of the ancient structure.
The sound-and-light performances transported audiences back in time thanks to the sensations invoked by the production with its dramatic portrayal of days gone by.
The shows also provided an insight into Lao history dating back to the 5th century, showcasing southern Lao culture and narrating the incredible feat of how the huge temple was built.
Another interesting play recalled the legend of Thao Bachieng and his beloved Nang Malong, two star-struck lovers who end up not marrying, despite all their hopes and dreams.
In addition to the cultural aspects of the festival, more than 240 booths have been set up, giving visitors the chance to shop for clothing, traditional garments, and handicrafts such as pottery, bamboo items and woven baskets.
Today is the final day of the festival. This evening, local Buddhists and other participants will attend an almsgiving ceremony and take part in a candlelit procession. Some 4,000 lanterns will be lit and people will place candlelit boats in the ponds of the temple complex, bringing the event to a spectacular close.
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sday tirk dey nas!!
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