Paklai elephant festival attracts huge throng of tourists

Over one hundred thousand tourists and local people flocked to the 5th Elephant Festival held in Paklai district, Sayaboury province on 19 February. This figure of attendants marks a larger number over the previous year.

The festival presented the procession of 50 elephants and the 11 performances by more than 2,000 students, youths and people held in the inaugural ceremony including the parade of domesticated elephants.

Taking part in the opening ceremony were Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Thongloun Sisoulith who is also Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sayaboury Governor Mr. Lien Thikeo, Minister of Information and Culture Mr. Mounkeo Oraboun, President of the Lao National Tourism Administration Mr. Somphong Mongkhonvilay, domestic visitors and overseas tourists.

A two-day elephant festival in Paklai district featured activities, ranging from a “Baci” (calling for the soul) ceremony for elephants, elephant beauty contest, elephant drawing contest, art performance, sport competition to a trade fair.

“This year’s festival is partly to welcome the upcoming 9th Party Congress and the 7th General Election to the National Assembly and other important events of the nation. This also announced the establishment of 17 development villages in Paklai district,” said Mr. Lien.Elephants are closely involved with the livelihood of people of Paklai and are also important means to serve tourists and generate income for their owners.

Sayaboury province holds the elephant festival every year to show gratitude to elephants and to conserve the existing fine culture.This year’s 5th Elephant Festival was held in cooperation with the Lao National Tourism Administration and the Asian Elephant Association.

Source = laovoices