Boun Khao Salak Ancestor Festival, Lao PDR

During the 10th full moon of the lunar calendar, the Lao people obtain merit by providing offerings to dead ancestors. 

The offerings to the dead are passed to monks during the morning ceremony at the temple; in the evening a candlelight procession (Wien Tien) is held.

The Boun Khao Salak Ancestor Festival commemorates and celebrates the dead. During the 10th full moon of the lunar calendar, the Lao people obtain merit by providing offerings to dead ancestors, along with papers about their ancestors that will be read publicly. 

The offerings to the dead are passed to monks during the morning ceremony at the temple; in the evening a candlelight procession (Wien Tien) is held. The Lao believe that missing these rituals (especially for recently-deceased family members) will cause bad luck to the living.

Date: September 29, 2023

* Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, Lao PDR
*Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO) Email: info@mekongtourism-mtco.org