| Boun Suang Huea (ບຸນຊ່ວງເຮືອ) | |
|---|---|
| Observed by | Laos |
| Type | Buddhist |
| Date | October 15 |
| Related to | Vap Full Moon Poya (in Sri Lanka) Wan Ok Phansa (in Thailand) Thadingyut (in Myanmar) Lhabab Duchen (in Tibet and Bhutan) |
The boat racing festival called Boun Suang Heua[1] or Boun Xuang Heua (Lao: ບຸນຊ່ວງເຮືອ [bùn sūa̯ŋ.hɯ́a̯]) or Loy Krathong (Lao: ລອຍກະໂທງ [lóːj kā.tʰóːŋ]) is celebrated every year, particularly in Laos, usually in October, at the end of Buddhist Lent.
There are spectacular canoe races organized in the cities (mainly Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Savannakhet, and Champassak province) and villages along the Mekong.
Boats are decorated with flowers and candles. Also, small rafts made of bamboo and decorated with candles are launched down the streams and river.