The Louisiana Lao New Year Festival at Wat Thammarattanaram Lao Buddhist Temple in Coteau wrapped up today.
The celebration started Friday.
“We had a really big turnout on Saturday, and I think everyone’s really tired, so today is a day for relaxing, and recuperating oneself, and starting off a new year,” said Phanat Xanamane, co-chair of the festival organizing committee.
Xanamane said the group is working to make the festival attractive for the entire state.
“My favorite part is just seeing so many people from Lao communities across the US who come here and participate in the beautiful rituals and ceremonies,” Xanamane said. “People from all over come here and are in awe of our community and what’s happened here, the beautiful temples here, and our customs that we’ve kept alive. It really makes me proud.”
Information on the festival can be found at the Louisiana Lao New Year Festival Facebook page.
To see our previous story, click here.