Aseanews Headlines: VIENTIANE- Almsgiving brings joyous end to That Luang festival
President Bounnhang Vorachit and senior government officials yesterday morning joined devotees for a traditional Takbaat or almsgiving ceremony, which is the highlight of the final day of the That Luang festival.
The nationally revered That Luang stupa, or Grand Stupa, in Vientiane is believed to contain fragments of Buddha’s breastbone and a lock of his hair.
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It was built over a much older stupa in the 16th century during the reign of King Xayyasetthathirath when he moved the capital of the Lane Xang Kingdom from Luang Prabang to Vientiane.
The magnificent structure has since become the symbol of Laos and is held in high esteem by all Lao citizens.
The festival runs over three days and features many colourful rituals.
Yesterday the assembled monks began receiving offerings at 5am, with thousands of almsgivers crowding around the stupa.
Many people arrived early to try to avoid the crowds.
Elegantly-dressed women wearing silk skirts and blouses, and men sporting sashes waited patiently to present their offerings to the rows of monks who received them in silence.
Devotees clutched silver bowls full of offerings and paid homage to the That Luang stupa, hoping their actions would bring them good luck and good health. The event was better organised than last year and there was more room for people, who solemnly waited for a space to present their offerings.
“It’s better than last year because we have more space to walk and sit while we’re waiting to give the monks our offerings,” said a resident of That Luang Tai village, Ms Sonemani. Last year, the esplanade was a lot more crowded and packed with stalls, so devotees had to wait a long time before they could finally put their offerings in the monks’ bowls.
Ms Sonemani said that this year the process was a lot more efficient as people had more space and the monks had placed their bowls on long tables in the four corners of the esplanade. Following the almsgiving, many families and friends joined together for a meal of chicken soup, boiled chicken and papaya salad, which were offered for sale by the numerous vendors around the esplanade.
Some people placed flowers and lit incense beneath the statue of King Xayyasetthathirath, as well as releasing caged sparrows for good luck.
In the afternoon, crowds gathered on the esplanade to watch a game of tikhy – a game similar to hockey. The annual match was originally played to build solidarity between government officials and the public following the rice harvest.
The festival came to a close in the late evening, when crowds gathered yet again for the final event – a spectacular candlelight procession and fireworks display.
By Times Reporters
(Latest Update November 23, 2018)
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