Deputy Culture Minister inspects preparation for Vat Phou’s 10th celebration

Deputy-Minister of Information and Culture Bouangeun Saphouvong urged relevant authorities to materialise their preparatory work for the celebration of the 10th anniversary of Vat Phou temple as UNESCO’s world heritage with a high sense of responsibility.He urged the authorities to work to ensure visitors could enjoy the genuine cultural identity and custom of local ethnic groups in Champassak province.

Mr. Bouagneun visited the southernmost province on Feb 5 to assess the preparations by relevant authorities for the celebration of the UNESCO inclusion of Vat Phou as a World Heritage site.He also witnessed the rehearsal of art performances by secondary school students in Done Talard, Champassak (district), and Phon-ngam.

The celebration of the 10th anniversary of Vat Phou as world heritage site is scheduled for February 14-18, which will feature art performances, candle-lit procession, Phou Kao mount climbing, sport competition and trade fair along with the art performances by Indian and Cambodian art troupes.

Vat Phou in Champassak province was listed as a world heritage site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation-UNESCO, on 16 December 2001. The celebration will be the largest ever held since Vat Phou has been included in the UNESCO’s World Heritage list.

This year’s Vat Phou traditional festival which traditionally coincides with that of Phra That (stupa) Sikhottabong in central Khammouane province, falls on Friday 18 February.

Source = laovoices