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President Thongloun Sisoulith pays homage to revered Buddha statues and monks at Ongteu temple in Vientiane. |
Govt officials lead Lao New Year opening celebrations
President Thongloun Sisoulith, his wife, and senior government officials took part in traditional ceremonies at Ongteu and Sisaketh temples in Vientiane on Tuesday to mark the first day of the Lao New Year celebrations.
The event was organised by the Vientiane Administration Office, kicking off the colourful rituals that give the Lao New Year celebrations their special identity.
Running from April 14-16, the public holiday is a time of fun, festivity, and a chance for people around the country to reaffirm their Buddhist faith and strong community spirit.
The following photos capture the essence of Lao New Year as events played out on the first day of the holiday in central Vientiane.
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President Thongloun, monks, and senior government officials take part in a traditional ceremony at the temple. |
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President Thongloun and government officials share in prayers. |
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The President and his wife sprinkle water on a statue of Buddha at Ongteu temple. |
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Government officials also pour water on the statue as a sign of reverence. |
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President Thongloun prays before a statue of Buddha at Sisaketh temple. |
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The President and monks share in a Lao New Year tradition at Sisaketh temple. |
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Monks accompany a statue of Buddha as it is paraded through the grounds of Sisaketh temple. |
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Monks and residents of Chanthabouly district escort a statue of Buddha for display at Ongteu temple. |
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Residents of Phontong village in Chanthabouly district make donations at a local temple. |
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A woman sprinkles water over Buddha images on display at a temple in Phontong village, Chanthabouly district. |
By Times Reporters
(Latest UpdateApril 14, 2026)
