Laos held its annual That Luang festival to celebrate the great 16th-century stupa, built by King Saysetthathirath, that has become the nation’s religious symbol and its most revered shrine.
Mr. Sisavath Keobounphanh, president of the Lao National Construction Front, kicked off the celebration in Vientiane on the evening of November 20, with a religious ceremony at Vat Simeuang.
The That Luang festival, long associated with the promotion of Laos goods and products, and traditionally held on the That Luang ground, has for many years now added the Lao ITEC as it second venue where a trade fair is held for the duration of the festival and beyond.
Officials say this year there were some 180 foreign booths, mostly Thai and Chinese, displaying their goods at the fair.
Listen to our Laos Today report for details of the celebration.