Wat Pa Lao Buddhadham
As of Mid October 2025 - March 2026, there will be no personnel to answer forms and emails. The website will be outdated until then. We apologize for any inconveniences.
About the Event
The Summer Kickoff Food Festival transforms the temple grounds into a vibrant celebration of Lao cuisine, culture, and community. Many of food stalls operated by community members offer traditional Lao dishes, desserts, and beverages, creating a colorful and aromatic marketplace atmosphere. Beyond the culinary delights, the festival features may provide cultural performances including traditional music, dance, and demonstrations of Lao arts and crafts. Monks participate by offering blessings and sometimes providing Dhamma talks on the spiritual aspects of food sharing and community harmony. The event serves multiple purposes: raising funds for temple operations, preserving Lao culinary traditions, introducing younger generations to their cultural heritage, and strengthening community bonds as summer begins.
Requirements
- Festival hours typically run from 12:00 AM to 3:00 PM
- Admission is free, with food and items available for purchase
- Dress casually but modestly (shoulders and knees covered when near temple buildings)
- Bring cash for food purchases and donations
- Those wishing to contribute food for sale should register in advance
- Volunteers are welcomed for setup, cleanup, and assistance during the event
- Families are especially encouraged to attend
- Consider bringing your own reusable containers and utensils to reduce waste
- Parking may be limited; carpooling is encouraged
- Be mindful that this is still a temple setting—respectful behavior is expected
- Photography is welcomed and encouraged to share the cultural experience
The Summer Kickoff Food Festival welcomes everyone—Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike—to experience the rich flavors and traditions of Lao culture in a festive, family-friendly environment. This joyful celebration demonstrates how Buddhist principles of generosity and community can be expressed through the universal language of food and shared cultural experience.
History of the Event
The Summer Kickoff Food Festival represents a contemporary adaptation of the traditional Buddhist practice of dana (generosity) and community gathering. While not an ancient ceremony, this festival has roots in the Buddhist tradition of sharing food as a form of merit-making and fostering community bonds. In Southeast Asian Buddhist cultures, food has always played a central role in religious gatherings, with temples serving as community centers where spiritual practice and cultural celebration harmoniously blend. This festival draws inspiration from traditional temple fairs (ngan wat) in Laos, where communities would gather to enjoy food, entertainment, and merit-making activities while supporting the temple.