Wax Castle Parade at That Luang Festival in Laos
VIENTIANE: The golden That Luang stupa was alive with vibrant colours and music on Tuesday, November 4, as thousands joined the traditional wax castle parade, one of the festival’s most spectacular events.
Traditional Procession
The colourful parade began early afternoon at Vat Nongbone, where groups from various districts in the capital carried intricately crafted yellow wax pyramids toward the sacred Pha That Luang stupa.
- Each wax castle was decorated with candles, flowers, and banknotes.
- These ornate structures symbolised devotion and the wish for good fortune in the coming year.
Notable Participants
The parade included prominent figures such as Minister of Culture and Tourism Suanesavanh Vignaket, Governor of the Bank of the Lao PDR Bounkham Vorachit, and the wives of other Party and government leaders, highlighting the event’s significance as both a religious and cultural celebration.
Atmosphere and Audience
Onlookers cheered as participants in traditional and ethnic costumes marched to the rhythms of gongs and drums across the That Luang esplanade. Many waved Lao flags and captured photos as the parade made its way to the shining stupa.
Devotees carry ornamental wax castles to the Pha That Luang stupa during a grand parade at the That Luang Festival. – Vientiane Times/ANN
The stupa gleamed brilliantly under the late-afternoon sun, providing a stunning backdrop to this vibrant cultural event.
Author’s summary: The That Luang festival’s wax castle parade beautifully showcases Laos’s deep-rooted spirituality and rich cultural heritage through a vibrant community celebration.