The wax castle procession during the Sikhottabong Stupa Festival is a long-standing tradition passed down from ancient times. It involves circling the ordination hall where the Great Buddha is enshrined and the stupa three times to commemorate the virtues of the Triple Gem, also known as the Three Jewels: the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha.
The Wax Castle Procession this year coincided with Friday, February 23rd, the 14th waxing moon of the 3rd Lao lunar month, Buddhist Era 2566. On the monastic side, venerable Bounthay Chanthaphanhchit, President of the Provincial Buddhist Sangha Organization, representatives from the monastic provincial chiefs of Nakhon Phanom, Sakon Nakhon, and representatives from temples in Thakek District Municipality were present. This Wax Castle procession ceremony was honored by the participation of Mrs. Pany Yathotou, Vice President of the Lao PDR, along with her delegation; Mr. Vansay Phongsavanh, Governor of Khammouane Province; Mr. Bounmy Phimmasone, President of the Provincial People's Assembly of Khammouane; members of the provincial and district leadership, as well as a large number of people from within and outside the province, especially residents of Thakek District from various government and private offices, organizations, and villages.
During the ceremony, Mr. Vansay Phongsavanh, Governor of Khammouane Province, delivered a welcoming speech to the guests and invited Mrs. Pany Yathotou, Vice President of the Lao PDR, to light the victory candle to worship the Triple Gem. This was followed by a religious ceremony featuring the recitation of auspicious parittas and the offering of charitable donations from various domestic and international sectors. Afterwards, the Wax Castle procession circled three times around the sima (ordination hall) where the Great Buddha statue is enshrined, and around the three stupas (That). This procession consisted of three main parts: the procession of central, provincial, and district leaders; the procession of nine districts with their traditional dances, drum ensembles (Gong Tae - Gong Jing); and the procession of Thakek District with people from all over Khammouane Province.
On the same day, various activities were held, including men's and women's volleyball and sepak takraw competitions, the final round of the Gong Tae - Gong Jing drum competition, the final round of traditional art and literary performances (Molam, khene playing, singing, and dancing), and the worship of That Sikhottabong stupa.
