All posts tagged: That Luang

These beautiful past vs. present photos of Vientiane landmarks will make you nostalgic

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The world is slowly taking notice of a growing group of young Lao artists, designers, filmmakers, and photographers in Vientiane capital. And so should we. At the age of 12 in Luang Prabang, Thanavorakit Kounthawatphinyo already knew he was in love with art. But he didn’t know what to do with a couple of rolls of Kodak film and a nice camera at the time. After losing those rolls of film to light exposure, he paused his passion. It wasn’t until he was almost done with high school that the Lao education system forced him to rethink the typical path most youth were supposed to take. Go to a good school. Get a good job. Live a good and successful life. “When I was free from formal schooling, I spent most of my time on the Internet, messing around and looking things up. That’s how I learned a lot of things school didn’t teach me.” Born and raised in a middle-class Vientiane family, Thanavorakit moved back home to pursue his love of photography. After a …

Celebrating the Grand Stupa of That Luang

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Boun That Luang is one of the most significant festivals to the Lao community, along with Boun Phra Vet and the traditional Lao New Year. Typically held in October or November, it’s a 3 to 7 day festival, depending on seasonal changes, convened at That Luang, the Grand Stupa built in the 16th century by King Settathirath as a symbol of his moving the capital from Luang Prabang to Vientiane. Historically the procession begins at Wat Si Muang and ends at Pha That Luang. Here are some photos from the celebrations in the capital city of Vientiane, Laos this past week (Photos by Jason Rolan). The festival is an opportunity for participants to build merit for rebirth into better lives and to wish good fortune to one another. Participants circle the Pha That Luang three times in memory of the Buddha, his teachings, and the community. The festival of course includes traditional and popular live music, drama performances, poetry recitals, dances, and games. The Lao community in Minnesota will hold festivities the weekend of November …