That Luang festival opens in Lao capital
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