The biggest-ever That Luang festival opened in the Lao capital Vientiane on November 11, filling the city with various entertainment and traditional cultural performances.
The opening ceremony was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Asang Laoly and Governor of Vientiane city Soukan Mahalath. Vietnamese Ambassador Nguyen Manh Hung was among others at the event.
According to the organising committee, apart from performances to reflect Lao traditions and culture, the best products from provinces and the nine districts of Vientiane are on display at a record 150 booths, expecting to draw hundreds of thousands of visitors from across the country and abroad.
In addition to local vendors, products from other ASEAN countries and China will be up for grabs, according to the committee.
Musicians from 16 provinces will take to the stage to entertain the crowds on November 13, while the standout performance will be on November 16 with artists from six ASEAN countries and some of the best Lao entertainers set to perform throughout the evening.
Religion is at the heart of the festival and on November 17, over 6,000 monks will take part in an almsgiving ceremony at That Luang, with ministers from six ASEAN countries and Lao government officials also participating.
That night a candlelight procession around the stupa and a firework display will mark the end of the festival.-VNA
