Lively celebrations mark end of Buddhist Lent, boat racing festival in Laos

VIENTIANE, Oct. 27 (Xinhua) -- In Laos, riverfronts come alive with glowing floating lights, bustling crowds and festive sounds as people gather to celebrate the end of Buddhist Lent and the boat racing festival, an occasion that brings together religious traditions, community spirit and vibrant festivities.

This photo taken on Oct. 26, 2026 shows an illuminated boat along the riverbank in Vientiane, Laos. (Photo: Xinhua)

The end of Buddhist Lent, which falls on Oct. 26 this year, begins with religious observances as people rise early to visit temples, give alms and offer food to monks as a way of making merit.

In the evening, crowds gather along riverbanks to float decorative banana-leaf boats adorned with flowers, candles and incense sticks. The offerings are released onto the water as a gesture of respect for the river and, for some participants, a symbolic way of washing away bad luck.

For Channapha Khamdy, a 29-year-old resident of Lao capital Vientiane, the festival is an occasion not to be missed. "This is one of the most important festivals. Everyone should experience it at least once in their life," she told Xinhua.

This year, Channapha brought Thai and Chinese friends she had met while studying abroad to the Mekong Riverbank to experience the celebrations firsthand. "They flew to Vientiane just to attend the festival," she said.

Proud to share her country's traditions with her friends, Channapha highlighted the candlelight processions, lantern displays and illuminated fireboats along the riverbanks as must-see highlights of the celebration.

"Even though it is crowded, I still want to bring my friends out to experience the atmosphere for themselves. I believe these memories will stay with them even after they return home," she said.

In many parts of Laos, the end of Buddhist Lent is followed by traditional boat racing festivities. In Lao capital Vientiane, the boat racing festival, held on Tuesday, also provides an opportunity for local vendors to sell their products while visitors experience Lao culture through traditional goods, local food and festive activities.

Sommanivanh, a 42-year-old woman from southern Laos' Champasak province, came to the Mekong Riverfront with her family, drawn by the variety of products on display and the lively atmosphere surrounding the celebration.

"This is one of my favorite festivals of the year. I never miss the celebration," she said.

Sommanivanh also shared her impressions of this year's festivities, noting that she had seen more young people wearing traditional clothing, visiting temples and strolling around the festival. She described the trend as a positive way to showcase Lao culture and traditions to foreign visitors while helping preserve the country's cultural heritage.

The festival is not only an occasion for people to enjoy festivities around town, but also a time for families and friends to come together at home.

"Since my house is near the Mekong River, it is a tradition for me to welcome friends from near and far. We gather to eat, drink and celebrate together," Bee, a Vientiane resident, told Xinhua.

He added that during the festival, friends and visitors often come to his home carrying food and drinks to share, turning the occasion into a gathering filled with warmth and friendship.

"For us, it is a way to come together and strengthen our bonds, so that we do not grow distant from one another. That is one of the most beautiful things about the celebration," he said.

People take part in a ceremony held in a temple to mark the end of Buddhist Lent in Vientiane, Laos, Oct. 26, 2026. (Photo: Xinhua)