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Highlights
See thousands of sand stupas on the banks of the Mekong,
with their colorful banners and offerings, designed to stop evil spirits
from passing into the new year (14
th
April).
Don’t miss the procession of Prabang, one of Laos’ most
celebrated Buddha images, which gave Luang Prabang its name
in 1512 (‘Luang’ meaning great or royal). The statue is carried in
procession from the former Royal Palace to Vat Mai, followed by
hundreds of monks in their bright orange shrouds. It’s when the
statue is installed at Vat Mai that people can pour water on it,
before collecting it as sacred water for blessing friends and family.
On arrival at the temple, Prabang is placed in a sim (an alter similar
to a chapel) outside the temple. There, he receives a final blessing
from the alleged ancestors of the first Lao people.