The Pha That Luang is the national symbol of Laos; accordingly, the 3-day religious festival, held in its name, is a grand affair.
The festivities start with devotees paying respect to Nya Mae Si Muang, the protector of Vientiane, by bringing Phasat Pheung (akin to a wax structure), flowers and incense to the Wat Si Muang.
The subsequent day, senior monks will lead a procession of men and women in their traditional ethnic costumes around the Pha That Luang before entering the stupa. The drumming and singing will be replaced by religious chants. After the official procession is over, locals will perform their own version of the procession and pray at the Pha That Luang.
On the last day of the festival, devotees will dress in their finest outfits and gather at Pha That Luang at 5am in anticipation of almsgiving at daybreak. The senior monks in the cloister will lead prayers and chant sermons, which are broadcasted outside the shrine to the devotees. In the afternoon, there is a procession to bring a Louk Khee (a ball) from the stupa to the pitch for a game of Tee Khee (a traditional Lao sport that is similar to hockey). At night, there will be a firework display over the Pha That Luang.
