Preparations Underway for Vat Phou Festival 2016

Authorities in Champasak province are preparing to celebrate the 15th anniversary of Vat Phou and its associated ancient settlements within the Champasak cultural landscape being listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The anniversary occurs during this year's Makhabousa or Magha Puja, which takes place every year from the 13th waxing moon day to the 15th day (full moon) of the third month of the Lao lunar calendar. This year the days fall on February 20, 21, and 22.

Authorities in Champasak province are preparing to celebrate the 15th anniversary of Vat Phou and its associated ancient settlements within the Champasak cultural landscape being listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The anniversary occurs during this year’s Makhabousa or Magha Puja, which takes place every year from the 13th waxing moon day to the 15th day (full moon) of the third month of the Lao lunar calendar. This year the days fall on February 20, 21, and 22.

Program Schedule:

18th February
TRADE FAIR VILLAGE opening / Local cultural performances / Music groups

19th February
TRADE FAIR VILLAGE / Forum «15 years of conservation of Vat Phou WHS» at Champasak Grand Hotel – Pakse / Local cultural performances / Music groups

20th February
Opening ceremony : Parades – School dance performances / Traditional musics & Comedies / Indian, Thai, Vietnamese or Cambodian traditionnal dances / Music groups

21st February
TRADE FAIR VILLAGE / Traditional musics & comedies / Indian, Thai, Vietnamese or Cambodian traditionnal dances / Music groups

22th February
OFFERING TO THE MONKS (7:00am) / CANDLELIGHT PROCESSION (7:00 pm) / Music groups