BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//Lao Buddhist Temple of Denver, Inc. - ECPv6.16.0//NONSGML v1.0//EN
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
METHOD:PUBLISH
X-WR-CALNAME:Lao Buddhist Temple of Denver, Inc.
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://watlaodenver.com
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Lao Buddhist Temple of Denver, Inc.
REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H
X-Robots-Tag:noindex
X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:America/Denver
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0700
TZOFFSETTO:-0600
TZNAME:MDT
DTSTART:20250309T090000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0600
TZOFFSETTO:-0700
TZNAME:MST
DTSTART:20251102T080000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0700
TZOFFSETTO:-0600
TZNAME:MDT
DTSTART:20260308T090000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0600
TZOFFSETTO:-0700
TZNAME:MST
DTSTART:20261101T080000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0700
TZOFFSETTO:-0600
TZNAME:MDT
DTSTART:20270314T090000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0600
TZOFFSETTO:-0700
TZNAME:MST
DTSTART:20271107T080000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260802T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260802T170000
DTSTAMP:20260515T100528
CREATED:20260124T221304Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260124T221305Z
UID:946-1785657600-1785690000@watlaodenver.com
SUMMARY:Boun Khao Phansa (Buddhist Lent)
DESCRIPTION:Boun Khao Phansa: The Beginning of Buddhist Lent \n\n\n\nBoun Khao Phansa marks the beginning of the three-month Buddhist Lent\, known as Vassa. It is one of the most significant dates in the Buddhist calendar\, observed predominantly in Laos and Thailand. This period typically begins on the first day of the waning moon in the eighth lunar month (usually July) and lasts until the full moon of the eleventh lunar month. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Tradition of “Staying Put”\n\n\n\nThe term Khao Phansa literally translates to “entering the rains retreat.” Historically\, this tradition dates back to the time of the Buddha. To prevent monks from accidentally stepping on young crops or insects during their travels in the rainy season\, the Buddha established a rule that monks must remain in a single monastery for three months. \n\n\n\n\nFor Monks: It is a time of intensive meditation\, study\, and teaching. They are not permitted to stay overnight outside their designated temple.\n\n\n\nFor Laypeople: It is a season for renewed spiritual commitment. Many Buddhists choose to give up specific vices—such as alcohol\, meat\, or smoking—during these three months.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKey Rituals and Observations\n\n\n\nRitualDescriptionTak BatDevotees gather at temples early in the morning to offer food\, incense\, and flowers to the monks.Candle OfferingsMassive\, intricately carved wax candles are offered to temples. These symbolize the “light” of the Buddha’s teachings to guide monks through their studies.Water PouringA libation ceremony (Nam Bor) is often performed to dedicate merit to deceased ancestors.PreachingMonks deliver special sermons focusing on the importance of the Dhamma and self-discipline.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCultural Significance\n\n\n\nBeyond the religious aspects\, Boun Khao Phansa is a deeply communal time. Families reunite to visit local pagodas\, and the atmosphere is one of quiet reflection and merit-making. In many villages\, this marks the start of a period where weddings and major celebrations are traditionally put on hold until the end of Lent (Boun Ok Phansa). \n\n\n\n\nDid you know? Many young men choose this specific three-month window to ordain as monks temporarily\, fulfilling a traditional rite of passage and earning merit for their parents.
URL:https://watlaodenver.com/event/boun-khao-phansa-buddhist-lent/
LOCATION:Lao Buddhist Temple of Denver\, 10685 Dover Street\, Westminster\, CO\, 80021\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://watlaodenver.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/phansa.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260808T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260808T193000
DTSTAMP:20260515T100528
CREATED:20260506T182631Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260508T215643Z
UID:978-1786190400-1786217400@watlaodenver.com
SUMMARY:3rd Annual Mile-Hi AGA Tournament After Party
DESCRIPTION:⛳ 3rd Annual Mile-Hi Asian Golf Association Tournament After Party\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJoin us for a day of community\, celebration\, and connection! Whether you are a local resident or a visiting golfer from out of state\, we welcome you to join the Mile-Hi Asian Golf Association for our 3rd Annual Tournament After Party. \n\n\n\nCome and enjoy the festivities during and after the tournament as we gather to celebrate sportsmanship and our vibrant community. \n\n\n\n📅 Event Details\n\n\n\n\nDate: Saturday\, August 8\, 2026\n\n\n\nTime: 12:00 PM – 7:30 PM\n\n\n\nLocation: Lao Buddhist Temple of Denver (Wat Lao Denver)\n\n\n\nAddress: 10685 Dover St.\, Westminster\, CO 80020\n\n\n\n\n🎸 What to Expect\n\n\n\n\nFood Vendors: A variety of delicious options\n\n\n\nAwards Ceremony: Celebrating our tournament winners.\n\n\n\nLive Band & Dancing: Enjoy live music and hit the dance floor.\n\n\n\nBeverages & Refreshments: Stay hydrated and enjoy the party atmosphere.\n\n\n\n\nFor more information\, visit: \n\n\n\nwww.milehiasiangolf.com | www.watlaodenver.com \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n⛳ ງານລ້ຽງສັງສັນຫຼັງການແຂ່ງຂັນກ໊ອຟ ປະຈຳປີ ຄັ້ງທີ 3 ຂອງສະມາຄົມກ໊ອຟອາຊີ ໄມ-ໄຮ (Mile-Hi)\n\n\n\nຂໍເຊີນຊວນທຸກທ່ານມາຮ່ວມມ່ວນຊື່ນ ແລະ ສັງສັນກັບຊຸມຊົນຂອງພວກເຮົາ! ບໍ່ວ່າທ່ານຈະເປັນຄົນໃນທ້ອງຖິ່ນ ຫຼື ເປັນນັກກ໊ອຟທີ່ມາຈາກຕ່າງລັດ\, ພວກເຮົາຂໍຕ້ອນຮັບທຸກທ່ານເຂົ້າສູ່ ງານລ້ຽງສັງສັນຫຼັງການແຂ່ງຂັນກ໊ອຟ ປະຈຳປີ ຄັ້ງທີ 3 ທີ່ຈັດໂດຍ ສະມາຄົມກ໊ອຟອາຊີ ໄມ-ໄຮ. \n\n\n\nຂໍເຊີນມາຮ່ວມມ່ວນຊື່ນນຳກັນ ທັງໃນຊ່ວງເວລາແຂ່ງຂັນ ແລະ ຫຼັງການແຂ່ງຂັນ ເພື່ອສ້າງຄວາມສາມັກຄີ ແລະ ສະຫຼອງຮ່ວມກັນ. \n\n\n\n📅 ລາຍລະອຽດຂອງງານ\n\n\n\n\nວັນທີ: ວັນເສົາ\, ທີ 8 ສິງຫາ 2026\n\n\n\nເວລາ: 12:00 ໂມງທ່ຽງ – 7:30 ໂມງແລງ\n\n\n\nສະຖານທີ່: ວັດລາວພຸດທະວົງ ເດັນເວີ (Wat Lao Denver)\n\n\n\nທີ່ຢູ່: 10685 Dover St.\, Westminster\, CO 80020\n\n\n\n\n🎸 ກິດຈະກຳພາຍໃນງານ\n\n\n\n\nຮ້ານອາຫານ: ມີອາຫານຫຼາກຫຼາຍຊະນິດ\n\n\n\nດົນຕີສົດ ແລະ ຟ້ອນລຳ: ມ່ວນຊື່ນກັບວົງດົນຕີສົດ ແລະ ການເຕັ້ນລຳ.\n\n\n\nເຄື່ອງດື່ມ ແລະ ຂອງຫວ່າງ: ມີບໍລິການເຄື່ອງດື່ມຕະຫຼອດງານ.\n\n\n\n\nຂໍ້ມູນເພີ່ມເຕີມ ເຂົ້າເບິ່ງໄດ້ທີ່: \n\n\n\nwww.milehiasiangolf.com | www.watlaodenver.com
URL:https://watlaodenver.com/event/3rd-annual-mile-hi-aga-tournament-after-party/
LOCATION:Lao Buddhist Temple of Denver\, 10685 Dover Street\, Westminster\, CO\, 80021\, United States
CATEGORIES:Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://watlaodenver.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Golf-Turnament-After-Party-Flyer-scaled.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260815T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260815T170000
DTSTAMP:20260515T100528
CREATED:20260124T222526Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260124T222529Z
UID:950-1786780800-1786813200@watlaodenver.com
SUMMARY:Fundraising (Tentative)
DESCRIPTION:This event is in the planning stages. More details coming.
URL:https://watlaodenver.com/event/fundraising-tentative/
LOCATION:CO
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://watlaodenver.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Fundraising.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260913T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260913T170000
DTSTAMP:20260515T100528
CREATED:20260124T222848Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260124T223001Z
UID:953-1789286400-1789318800@watlaodenver.com
SUMMARY:Boun Hor Khao Padap Din (Remember the Deceased 1)
DESCRIPTION:In Laos\, the connection between the living and the dead is not just a memory—it’s a conversation. Boun Hor Padap Din\, which translates to “the festival of decorating the earth with rice packets\,” is one of the most poignant and spiritual festivals in the Lao calendar. \n\n\n\nCelebrated during the ninth lunar month (usually August or September)\, it is a day dedicated to honoring ancestors and “hungry ghosts”—spirits who may not have been reincarnated yet and have no relatives to make offerings for them. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Heart of the Tradition\n\n\n\nThe festival is rooted in the belief that for one night a year\, the gates of the spirit world open\, allowing the deceased to wander the earth. To ensure these spirits are fed and respected\, the living prepare Kao Hor (small parcels of food). \n\n\n\nThe Ritual of the Rice Packets\n\n\n\nThe most distinct feature of this day happens in the pre-dawn darkness\, usually around 4:00 AM. \n\n\n\n\nPreparation: Families prepare small packets wrapped in banana leaves. Inside\, they place a “tasting menu” for the spirits: sticky rice\, sweets\, seasonal fruits\, betel nut\, cigarettes\, and sometimes a few coins.\n\n\n\nThe Placement: Instead of placing these on an altar\, people place them on the ground—around temple walls\, under trees\, or at the corners of their houses.\n\n\n\nThe Logic: Placing food on the “earth” (Padap Din) makes it accessible to spirits who are wandering and may not be able to enter a home or a temple.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nA Day at the Wat (Temple)\n\n\n\nOnce the sun rises\, the focus shifts from the wandering spirits to the community and the monks. \n\n\n\n\nTak Bat (Alms Giving): In the morning\, crowds gather at the local temple dressed in traditional silk Lao skirts (sinh) and sashes. They offer food to the monks to gain “merit” (boun)\, which is then “transferred” to their ancestors.\n\n\n\nPouring Water (Nam Bor Ni): A crucial part of the ceremony involves pouring water onto the earth while monks chant. This symbolizes sending the merits earned during the day directly to the souls of the departed.\n\n\n\nCommunity Feasting: After the religious ceremonies\, the temple grounds often turn into a communal space where neighbors share food\, catching up and reinforcing the bonds of the living.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhy It Matters\n\n\n\nBeyond the “spooky” element of wandering spirits\, Boun Hor Padap Din serves a vital social and psychological purpose: \n\n\n\n\nGrief and Connection: It provides a structured way for people to process the loss of loved ones\, ensuring that no one is truly forgotten.\n\n\n\nCompassion for the “Forgotten”: By leaving food for spirits who have no family\, the festival encourages a sense of universal charity.\n\n\n\nAgricultural Cycle: It coincides with the height of the rainy season when the rice paddies are lush\, signaling a time of growth and the need for ancestral protection over the upcoming harvest.\n\n\n\n\n\nFun Fact: If you visit Laos during this time\, don’t be surprised to see people walking quietly in the dark with flashlights. They aren’t looking for lost keys; they are finding the perfect spot to feed their ancestors!
URL:https://watlaodenver.com/event/boun-hor-khao-padap-din-remember-the-deceased-1/
LOCATION:Lao Buddhist Temple of Denver\, 10685 Dover Street\, Westminster\, CO\, 80021\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://watlaodenver.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Padapdin.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260927T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260927T170000
DTSTAMP:20260515T100528
CREATED:20260124T223325Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260124T223329Z
UID:956-1790496000-1790528400@watlaodenver.com
SUMMARY:Boun Hor Khao Salak (Remember the Deceased 2)
DESCRIPTION:Boun Hor Khao Salak is one of the most poignant and spiritually significant festivals in Laos. Celebrated on the full moon of the tenth lunar month (usually in September)\, it is a day dedicated to remembering and feeding the spirits of the deceased—particularly those who may not have living relatives to make merit for them. \n\n\n\nHere is an overview of the traditions and meaning behind this “Festival of the Dead.” \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Core Ritual: “Khao Salak”\n\n\n\nThe name of the festival translates to “offering of drawing lots.” Unlike other festivals where offerings are made directly to specific monks\, Boun Hor Khao Salak involves a unique system of anonymous charity: \n\n\n\n\nPreparation: Laypeople prepare “baskets” or “wraps” containing essentials like sticky rice\, traditional sweets\, fruits\, cigarettes\, and sometimes money or small household items.\n\n\n\nThe Slips: Each family writes their name on a slip of paper (the salak). These slips are placed in a large bowl.\n\n\n\nThe Draw: Monks and novices draw the slips. Whichever name a monk draws\, that family provides their offering to him. This ensures that the merit is distributed fairly and that the focus remains on the act of giving rather than the status of the recipient.\n\n\n\n\nFeeding the “Hungry Ghosts”\n\n\n\nA central belief of Boun Hor Khao Salak is that on this night\, the gates of hell are opened\, and the spirits of the dead are allowed to roam the earth to receive offerings from their living descendants. \n\n\n\n\nFor Ancestors: Families make merit to ensure their loved ones are well-fed and peaceful in the afterlife.\n\n\n\nFor the “Preta”: A significant portion of the festival focuses on Preta (hungry ghosts)—spirits who have no family or were “sinful” in life and suffer from eternal hunger. By leaving small parcels of food around the temple walls or under trees\, the living offer these wandering spirits a moment of relief.\n\n\n\n\nThe Festival Day Experience\n\n\n\nThe atmosphere at the Vat (temple) is a blend of solemnity and community celebration: \n\n\n\n\nEarly Morning: Devotees arrive at dawn dressed in traditional Lao silk (sinh for women) to offer food to the monks.\n\n\n\nPouring Water (Ithaid): After the offerings\, people pour water onto the earth while reciting prayers\, a symbolic gesture to transfer the merit to the deceased.\n\n\n\nCandlelight Procession: In the evening\, the temple grounds are illuminated by Vien Thien (candlelight processions)\, where locals walk around the ordination hall three times to pay respect to the Buddha.\n\n\n\n\nWhy It Matters\n\n\n\nBeyond its religious roots\, Boun Hor Khao Salak serves as a vital social glue. It reinforces the Lao values of gratitude (towards ancestors)\, compassion (towards the suffering spirits)\, and community (sharing food and resources). It is a time for families to gather\, reflect on the cycle of life and death\, and ensure that no one—living or dead—is forgotten.
URL:https://watlaodenver.com/event/boun-hor-khao-salak-remember-the-deceased-2/
LOCATION:Lao Buddhist Temple of Denver\, 10685 Dover Street\, Westminster\, CO\, 80021\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://watlaodenver.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/salak.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20261025T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20261025T170000
DTSTAMP:20260515T100528
CREATED:20260124T223907Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260124T223911Z
UID:959-1792915200-1792947600@watlaodenver.com
SUMMARY:Boun Ock Phansa (End of Buddhist Lent)
DESCRIPTION:Boun Ock Phansa: The Celebration of Light and Return \n\n\n\nBoun Ock Phansa marks the end of the three-month Buddhist Lent (Vassa)\, typically falling on the full moon of the 11th lunar month (usually in October). It is a time of profound spiritual significance and vibrant community celebration across Southeast Asia\, particularly in Laos and Thailand. \n\n\n\nThe festival signifies the end of the rainy season retreat\, during which monks remain within their temples to meditate and study. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Spiritual Significance\n\n\n\nAccording to Buddhist tradition\, this day commemorates the Buddha’s return to Earth from the Tavatimsa Heaven. He had spent the rainy season there preaching the Abhidhamma to his mother and other celestial beings. His descent is often depicted as being via a triple stairway made of silver\, gold\, and jewels. \n\n\n\nKey Rituals and Traditions\n\n\n\n\nTak Bat (Alms Giving): At dawn\, devotees gather at local temples to offer food\, incense\, and candles to the monks\, who are now free to travel again.\n\n\n\nLai Huea Fai (Festival of Boats of Light): As dusk falls\, people release small\, handmade “boats” (krathong) made from banana trunks or bamboo\, decorated with flowers\, incense\, and candles into rivers. This act is believed to:\n\nPay respect to the Naga (river spirits).\n\n\n\nSend away bad luck\, grudges\, and illness.\n\n\n\nBring good fortune for the coming year.\n\n\n\n\n\nBoun Suang Huea (Boat Racing): In the days following Ock Phansa\, many riverside towns host competitive longboat races. These are high-energy events featuring dozens of rowers in synchronized rhythm\, representing strength and communal unity.\n\n\n\n\nThe Atmosphere\n\n\n\nThe festival transforms the evening into a landscape of flickering lights. Large\, elaborate “fire boats” made by villages or organizations are paraded through streets before being launched into the Mekong or other waterways. Temples are illuminated with hundreds of small clay lamps (mome)\, creating a peaceful yet festive glow. \n\n\n\n\nDid you know? In some regions\, the end of Lent is also associated with the “Naga Fireballs\,” a mysterious phenomenon where reddish glowing balls are seen rising from the Mekong River into the air.
URL:https://watlaodenver.com/event/boun-ock-phansa-end-of-buddhist-lent/
LOCATION:Lao Buddhist Temple of Denver\, 10685 Dover Street\, Westminster\, CO\, 80021\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://watlaodenver.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/OckPhansa.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20261115T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20261115T170000
DTSTAMP:20260515T100528
CREATED:20260124T224228Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260124T224231Z
UID:962-1794729600-1794762000@watlaodenver.com
SUMMARY:Boun Khathin (kathina)
DESCRIPTION:Boun Kathin (or the Kathina festival) is one of the most significant and joyful celebrations in Theravada Buddhist cultures\, particularly in Laos\, Thailand\, Cambodia\, and Myanmar. It marks the end of the three-month Buddhist Lent (Vassa) and is a season of deep spiritual merit-making and community celebration. \n\n\n\nHere is a breakdown of the traditions\, timing\, and significance of this festival. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n📅 Timing and Duration\n\n\n\nThe festival takes place during a specific four-week window following the end of Lent. \n\n\n\n\nStart: The first day of the waning moon of the 11th lunar month (Boun Awk Phansa).\n\n\n\nEnd: The full moon of the 12th lunar month.\n\n\n\n2025 Context: Since the Buddhist Lent ended in late October 2025\, the Kathin season typically runs through most of November.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n👕 The Offering of the Robes\n\n\n\nThe word Kathina refers to the wooden frame once used by monks to stretch cloth while sewing robes. The central act of the festival is the offering of new saffron robes to the monks. \n\n\n\n\nThe Rule: According to Buddhist tradition\, a temple can only hold one Kathin ceremony per year\, and it must be completed within the designated month.\n\n\n\nThe Monks: Only monks who stayed at that specific temple for the entire three months of Lent are eligible to receive the Kathin robes.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n🎊 The Celebration (Heuan Dee)\n\n\n\nIn Laos\, a Boun Kathin is rarely a quiet affair. It is a massive community event characterized by: \n\n\n\n\nThe Procession: Laypeople form a “parade” to the temple\, often accompanied by traditional music\, drums\, and dancing.\n\n\n\nThe Money Tree: Devotees create “trees” where banknotes are clipped to branches as donations for temple maintenance and community projects.\n\n\n\nThe Feast: The hosting family or village provides a large communal meal for everyone attending.\n\n\n\nMerit-Making: It is believed that participating in a Boun Kathin brings great spiritual merit (boun) to the donors and their families.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n🏛️ Cultural Significance\n\n\n\nBeyond the religious aspects\, Boun Kathin serves as a vital social glue. It is a time when people return to their home villages\, reconnect with their roots\, and collectively support the local temple\, which often serves as the heart of the community. \n\n\n\nFor those traveling or living abroad\, these ceremonies are often a bridge back to heritage\, emphasizing the values of generosity (Dana) and gratitude.
URL:https://watlaodenver.com/event/boun-khathin-kathina/
LOCATION:Lao Buddhist Temple of Denver\, 10685 Dover Street\, Westminster\, CO\, 80021\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://watlaodenver.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Kathin.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20261122T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20261122T170000
DTSTAMP:20260515T100528
CREATED:20260124T224530Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260124T224534Z
UID:965-1795334400-1795366800@watlaodenver.com
SUMMARY:Boun Thatluang (Tentative)
DESCRIPTION:Boun That Luang: The Festival of the Golden Stupa \n\n\n\nBoun That Luang is the most significant religious and national festival in Laos\, held annually over three to seven days during the full moon of the 12th lunar month (usually November). It takes place at Pha That Luang\, the gold-covered stupa in Vientiane\, which serves as both a symbol of Buddhist faith and Laotian sovereignty. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Meaning and Significance\n\n\n\nThe festival is a celebration of the stupa itself\, which is believed to enshrine a breastbone of Lord Buddha. For the people of Laos\, it is a time of “merit-making” (thak boun)\, national pride\, and a homecoming for families. It marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of a period of prosperity. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKey Traditions and Events\n\n\n\nThe festival is a blend of solemn religious ritual and vibrant social celebration. \n\n\n\n\nTikhy (Traditional Hockey): A ritualistic game played with bamboo sticks and a ball made of root. Traditionally\, it represents a match between “the people” and “the officials.” A victory for the people is seen as a sign of a good harvest and peace.\n\n\n\nWax Castle Procession (Phasat Phueng): Devotees carry elaborate\, tiered “castles” made of wax\, gold paper\, and flowers to the stupa. These are offerings to gain merit and honor the spirits.\n\n\n\nTak Bat (Almsgiving): At dawn on the final day\, thousands of monks from all over Laos gather to receive offerings of food and flowers from the public. It is one of the most visually stunning and spiritually significant gatherings in Southeast Asia.\n\n\n\nWien Thien (Candlelight Procession): On the final night\, thousands of people circle the stupa three times holding candles\, incense\, and flowers\, creating a glowing ring around the golden monument.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Social Atmosphere\n\n\n\nWhile the religious ceremonies happen within the temple grounds\, the surrounding area transforms into a massive fairground: \n\n\n\n\nTrade Fairs: Local artisans and international vendors sell everything from traditional Lao silk (sinh) to modern electronics.\n\n\n\nFood: Stalls serve festival staples like Khao Lam (sticky rice in bamboo)\, grilled chicken\, and papaya salad.\n\n\n\nPerformances: Traditional Lao music (Mor Lam) and dance performances continue late into the night.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nVisiting During the Festival\n\n\n\nIf you are planning to experience Boun That Luang\, keep the following in mind: \n\n\n\n\nDress Code: Wear traditional Lao attire if possible\, or at least modest clothing (shoulders and knees covered).\n\n\n\nCrowds: Vientiane becomes extremely busy; it is best to arrive at ceremonies very early (often before 5:00 AM for the almsgiving).\n\n\n\nThe Full Moon: The final day is always the busiest and most spectacular\, as it coincides with the peak of the lunar cycle.
URL:https://watlaodenver.com/event/boun-thatluang-tentative/
LOCATION:Lao Buddhist Temple of Denver\, 10685 Dover Street\, Westminster\, CO\, 80021\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://watlaodenver.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/bounthatluang.png
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR