Source: The Buddhist Channel/Tri-City Herald
http://www.buddhistchannel.tv/index.php?id=65,8276,0,0,1,0
A dozen monks in orange and gold robes led the march around the temple. They walked slowly, trailed by a crowd pounding on small drums, playing horns, clanging cymbals and carrying a long banner painted in bright colors.
The banner told the story of Bounphraveth, a central figure in Lao Buddhism and the reason for Friday’s celebration.
People of the faith believe he was a generous man who sacrificed his possessions and even his family for others, and that in his next life he was Buddha.
The parade at Wat Lao Thammayanaram, the Laotian Buddhist temple on West 27th Avenue in Kennewick, helped kick off a three-day festival in his honor.
“We respect Buddha, so we celebrate (Bounphraveth) every year,” said Kham Detsadachank, a Wat Lao member who helped organize the event.
Hundreds gathered at Wat Lao on Friday night. There was traditional music, food and a bounce house for kids.