VO Buddhist believers share for their opinions of what Horkhao Padapdin means to them INTRO: Horkhao Padapdin (Honouring Ancestors) is an important event and an ancient tradition of Lao Buddhism. Some people worry that with the changes in the modern world these Lao traditions may fade away. Our news team asked people for their opinion of what Horkhao Padapdin means to them.  STORY: Every year Lao people celebrate the Horkhaopadapdin festival. This way they believe their deceased ancestors, the guardians of hell will release them and other spirits to eat the food being offered. Devotees get up early, at 3 to 5 am prepared nine kinds of food and place them inside a Horkhao then take it to the temple or place Hor khao around their house. With only the light from candles, people prayed to relatives who have passed away to accept their offerings. They invite the spirits to eat and call for mercy for them, so they can be reborn and freed from suffering, blessed with wealth and good health. About 7 to 8 am, temples become joyful once again, when they become crowded with young people accompanying their parents to Giving alms which begins with the senior monk in the temple telling lay people about the five commitments and encouraging them make merit. After that they are allowed to bring offerings such as candies, Khaotom and money directly to monks at a long-table with aluminum bowls. They believe these offerings will go to their specific relative spirits. When asked why Lao do people celebrate the Horkhaopadapdin festival?” Interview: Buddhist believers “I believe placing food and sweets in packages wrapped up in banana leaves on the ground and fences at houses and temples during Horkhaopadapdin festival bring merit. Also Abandoned spirits who are suffering will also be offered a gift” Buddhist believers also asked the spirits of the dead to protect their house and family and to have good health Interview: Buddhist believers “I have no doubt that, by practicing this action will help my ancestors, relatives and other spirits have something to eat. In turn, all my family members and myself will be blessed with good luck and happiness in our lives” Interview: Buddhist believers “Some of the Buddhist people are very serious in paying attention and following the Buddhist rules during the Buddhist Lent Festival For me, I also follow some Lao Buddhist traditions such as always giving alms at the temple with my family every full moon and not killing any animals” The date of the festival depends on the Buddhist calendar Interview: Monk “The Horkhaopadapdin festival usually takes place after the Buddhist Lent in the eighth or ninth month of the Buddhist calendar. Please keep in mind that, asking for blessing from Buddha is not just for success in work, business or love. To improve life depends very much one's own actions” After the end of a special ceremony at 9 am, monks recite the teachings of Buddha and tell the history of Buddhist lent.Sharing a breakfast together after monks and novices eat is also a way of building solidarity amongst the community.

• published: 16 Sep 2015
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