Boun Hor Khao Salak

Boun Hor Khao Salak (Personalized Offering Festival)

Boun Hor Khao Salak is a cherished Lao Theravāda Buddhist festival focused on making personalized offerings to monks in honor of deceased relatives. The term “Hor Khao Salak” means “offering rice and necessities with a name tag,” symbolizing the unique intention behind each gift. Unlike general merit-making, this festival emphasizes specific, individual merit dedication.

Significance

This holiday is rooted in the Lao Buddhist belief that acts of generosity—especially when offered with the name of a deceased loved one—can transfer merit to them, helping them in their journey through the cycle of rebirth. It is also a way for the living to reflect on impermanence, strengthen karmic ties with family, and uphold the values of remembrance and gratitude.

Festival Activities

Dedication of Merit: Monks lead prayers to transfer the merit from these offerings to deceased relatives or others named in the salak tags.

Named Offerings (Salak Boun): Families prepare trays or baskets filled with food, robes, candles, toiletries, and other essentials. Each offering is labeled with the name of the donor and the person to whom the merit is dedicated.

Ceremonial Presentations: These offerings are respectfully presented to the monks in a formal temple ceremony, with chanting, blessings, and Dhamma teachings.

Community Gathering: After the ceremony, the community often shares a meal, reinforcing unity and mutual support.