Festivals in Laos in February - Laos Tours, Laos Holidays

Festivals in Laos in February

Admin February 10, 2017 3:35 GMT

If you are planning to visit Laos, the land of festivals and celebrations, it is advisable to take some time to take part in these special times with the locals, who will welcome you to join in any festive events. Holding an important religious significance for Lao people, the majority of these festivals are based in the Buddhist faith that dominates the country. As being tied to the lunar calendar, festival dates may be flexible. You can visit Laos with Travel Indochina Laos

Magha Puja

Magha Puja is one of the most sacred festivals in Laos

Magha Puja is one of the most sacred festivals in Laos-source: Internet

  • Time: The full moon day in February (The day of the celebration in Western calendar may change from one year to the following)
  • Duration: 1 day
  • Location: Throughout Laos
  • Meaning: The festival is organized to commemorate the original teachings of Lord Buddha for 1250 enlightened monks from different regions.

Also known as Full Moon of Tabodwe or Makha Bucha, Magha Puja is celebrated on the first full moon of the third month of the lunar calendar. In 2017, Magha Puja will take place on the 11th February. The date varies from year to year due to the Gregorian solar calendar. Celebrated by Theravada Buddhists of Cambodia, Laos and Thailand, this day commemorates the gathering of 1,250 monks in honor of Buddha. The monks’ enlightenment is the remarkable thing about this gathering. In this full moon night, the meeting takes place spontaneously without prior collusion in order to honor Buddha. Laos travel tours

Magha Puja day

Magha Puja day-source: Internet

Today, the celebrations to Magha Puja today are still witnessed with the meetings of creditors Buddhists. This day’s spiritual goal is to purify one’ s spirit, to not commit sins and only to do well. This day, locals get up early to give alms to the monks. In the evening, they pay a visit to the temple, which is decorated with oil lamps and lights. After dark, to remember the three jewels of Buddhism: Buddha’s teaching Dharma, the monastic community, Sangha and Buddha, the faithful walk three times around the temple.

The Sikhotabong Festival

Sikhotabong is held in Sikhotabong Stupa

Sikhotabong is held in Sikhotabong Stupa-source: Internet

  • Time: Between the 5th February and the 8th February
  • Duration: 4 days
  • Location: The Sikhotabong Stupa in the province of Khammouant
  • Meaning: The festival is an occasion for locals to pay homage to the Sikhotabong Stupa.

Originally erected by the Sikhottabong Empire to keep relics of Lord Buddha erected between the 9th and the 10th century, the Sikhotabong Stupa is a religious site and one of the most sacred places in Laos. However, soon after, the stupa was renovated in Hindu style by the Khmer Empire. During 1950s, the Lane Xang Kingdom’s King Saysethathirath and King Phothisarat restored it to the present form.

The Wat Phu festival

Wat Phu festival

Wat Phu festival-source: Internet

  • Time: The full moon day in February (Coincide with the Magha Puja)
  • Duration: 7 days and 7 nights or 3 days and 3 nights
  • Location: The pre-Angkorian Wat Phu site in Champassak province
  • Meaning: The festival is held with the aim of commemorating all those who have contributed to Wat Phou Champasack, the most well known Hindu temple complex constructed in Laos under the Khmer Empire.

During this festival, the believers coming from different areas, some of whom even come from the neighboring countries of Cambodia and Thailand, attend the ceremony. This festival is also an amazing opportunity for surrounding mountain and plain populations to meet each other, to maintain these good relations since time put off. Take place on this festival are chants, recitals and processions. Volleyball, petanque, duck-catching and boats racing competitions and are also held.

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