Feature: Laos marks end of Buddhist Lent, boat racing festival

VIENTIANE, Oct. 21 (Xinhua) — People gathered to enjoy colorful activities during the boat racing festival in Laos following the end of Buddhist Lent, one of the biggest and most festive celebrations in the country.
The Mekong River in Lao capital came alive with excitement during the boat racing festival, which took place from Oct. 15 to Oct. 18. The highlight of the event was the boat races on the Mekong River and candlelight processions in the evening.
“I’m here with my wife and my son. My son enjoyed the boat racing this morning and my wife also enjoyed purchasing discounted products at the event,” Chansamone, a 42-year-old man told Xinhua.
“I encourage more young people to visit our traditional festivals, so they can enjoy cultural activities while pursuing traditional culture.”
After having a good time walking by the river, shopping and eating, Chansamone and his family floated small lighted boats made of banana leaves on the Mekong River.
“The boat racing festival is a big and important event and many people from across the city and the provinces come here to join in all the activities,” said Keosavang, a 21-year-old student.
During the event, crowds gathered along the Mekong River to watch the traditional boat races with sounds of cheering. The riverside transformed into a bustling fair, with food stalls, games, and booths bringing the community together.
The festival is also a golden opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the culinary culture of Laos, especially the signature dishes that are synonymous with the festival.
Lily, a 27-year-old woman living in Lao capital Vientiane said, “I have never missed Lao traditional festivals. I love the food and the atmosphere, even if it’s crowded and hot, I still have a good time.”
“The signature dishes that I always buy at the festival are Khao Lam (sticky rice cooked with coconut and coconut milk inside a stick of bamboo) and grilled chicken. I think our traditional festivals offer Laos great opportunities to showcase the rich and diverse flavors of Lao cuisine to international visitors, especially during Laos’ ASEAN chairmanship this year.”
In addition, the annual celebration of the end of Buddhist Lent and the Boun Lai Heua Fai festival took place in the town of Luang Prabang from Oct. 10 to Oct. 19.
People adorned the city with lanterns, paraded with and later floated large dragon boats and small lighted boats made from banana trees carrying flowers, incense and candles down the Mekong River to let bad luck drift away and good luck flow in. ■