President Thongloun Sisoulith examines an item on display at the trade fair during the That Luang festival. - Photo: Lao News Agency
VIENTIANE: The annual That Luang Festival serves not only to enable devotees to worship the grand stupa and preserve long-held traditions, but also showcases Lao-made goods.
The event provides a platform for small and medium-sized enterprises to display their goods, while also fostering economic growth through tourism and local commerce.
The festival is an opportunity for consumers to boost their confidence in and support the development of value-added local products, which generates larger incomes for local businesses.
Speaking to festival organisers while visiting the trade fair on Wednesday (Nov 13), President Thongloun Sisoulith gave advice on ways to showcase and improve the quality of good made in Laos, including handicrafts and food items.
Meanwhile, the Vice Mayor of Vientiane, Phouvong Vongkhamxao, spoke about the objectives and activities of the festival, which features some of Laos’ most iconic and longstanding traditions and is hugely popular with visitors because of the colourful pageantry on display.
“Apart from being a tourist draw, the festival serves to preserve some of the country’s finest traditions and is an annual reinforcement of long-held customs that are dear to us,” Phouvong said.
The festival features shows by various troupes, including from the Lao People’s Army, districts, the children’s cultural centre and children’s club, who will stage performances each day from November 11-15.
In addition, mass organisations are raising public awareness, particularly among the younger generation, about environmental preservation, in line with the Vientiane government’s clean and green policy.
This year’s festival is yet another vibrant celebration of Lao culture, bringing together both local and international visitors in appreciation of Lao artistry, cuisine, and cultural traditions.
At the That Luang esplanade, visitors can view and buy traditional crafts, goods made by model families, and Lao specialty foods. There is also a gallery highlighting That Luang’s history and featuring cultural displays, while surrounding areas will host more stalls, food vendors, and activities for children.
The Lao-ITECC mall is open from November 9 to 15, exhibiting international and Asean products, including IT devices, furniture, motorbikes, and cars, across 381 booths.
Somsamai, a vendor selling traditional handicrafts, said “The That Luang festival is one of the biggest and most colourful celebrations in Laos and people nationwide look forward to this joyful and meaningful event.”
Another vendor added “The That Luang festival is a big and important occasion and people from all over the country come to worship at the stupa and join in the various activities. The festival also provides a platform for local artisans and producers to showcase their goods, promote Lao culture, and support the local economy.” - Vientiane News/ANN
