Baci Ceremony

Immerse yourself in a spiritual ceremonial event – the Baci Ceremony. Laos has long been a host to this serene early morning experience – even before Buddhism made inroads into the country, and it is now open to visitors of Sofitel Luang Prabang as a guided experience.

It is linked to the ancient belief that Baci is invoked to synchronize the effects of the 32 organs of the human body – considered as kwan or spirits or the “components of the soul”. Its observance to establish a social and family bond to maintain “balance and harmony to the individual and community” is done in its original format in Laos as a substantiation of human existence.

The ceremony is performed by a senior person in the community who has fulfilled the duties of being a Buddhist monk at some stage of their life, and special arrangements are made for the occasion. The practice involves preparing the pah kwan or the flower trays and placing them at a central location for people to gather around it in reverential prayers.

During the Baci ceremony, a white thread of silk or cotton (symbol of purity) is tied on the right wrist of the individual who is being wished for his well-being and good luck. The thread is also tied around the wrists of all guests who assemble to perform the wishing towards a person. The thread is first knotted before being tied on the wrist of the person to be blessed, as well as the other guests. Before the thread is tied, the hand is held chest high as a mark of respect.

Whether you are on a trip to expand your global horizons or a quest for self-discovery, we believe that your presence in Luang Prabang is a truly special event. Mark the start of an unforgettable journey of discovery and cultural depth with the Baci Ceremony at Sofitel Luang Prabang.