Wax Castle Parade Brings Color and Devotion at That Luang Festival in Laos
On Tuesday, November 4, the golden That Luang stupa in Vientiane was alive with vibrant colors and traditional music as thousands gathered for the wax castle parade, a central event of this year’s That Luang festival.
Traditional Procession with Symbolic Offerings
The parade started early afternoon at Vat Nongbone, where groups from various districts of Vientiane carried intricately crafted yellow wax pyramids towards the sacred Pha That Luang stupa.
- Each wax castle was decorated elaborately with candles, flowers, and banknotes.
- These decorations symbolized devotion and hopes for good fortune in the coming year.
Distinguished Participants and Festive Atmosphere
Among the participants were prominent figures such as Minister of Culture and Tourism Suanesavanh Vignaket, Governor of the Bank of the Lao PDR Bounkham Vorachit, and spouses of various Party and government leaders, highlighting the parade’s cultural and religious significance.
People observing the event cheered as those in traditional and ethnic attire marched to the rhythms of gongs and drums across the That Luang esplanade. Many waved Lao flags and captured photos as the procession made its way to the glowing stupa beneath the late-afternoon sun.
“Devotees carry ornamental wax castles to the Pha That Luang stupa during a grand parade at the That Luang Festival.” – Vientiane Times/ANN
Author’s summary: The That Luang festival’s wax castle parade in Vientiane showcases deep cultural devotion through colorful displays, traditional attire, and symbolic offerings, uniting thousands in hopeful celebration.