Thai, Lao people worship Sri Song Rak pagoda

LOEI, April 27 (TNA) - About 5,000 Thai and Lao people attended the ancient ritual of washing Sri Song Rak Lao-style white pagoda in Loei while the annual event will be held until this Sunday. Pornchai Thomkrachan, Loei deputy governor said the annual event in Dan Sai district is believed to invoke rain for the planting season. It is part of the annual celebration to worship the pagoda, held for 459 years. Monk ordination, a tradition of firing rockets, a candle light procession and pouring water onto the pagoda are among the activities for the next two days. Sport competitions and local entertainment will be held. The temple is a symbol the resolve of the kings of these two kingdoms not to invade each other's territory, This Lao-style white pagoda was built as a symbol of a mutual friendship between the kings of Ayutthaya and Sri Sattana Khanahut (Vientiane) and their resolve not to invade each other territory. It is known that people do not to dress in red during the visit to the temple, as the red colour is considered as the colour of blood and a symbol of violence. (TNA)