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Saturday, February 7, 2026
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Laos, India Partner to Preserve Traditional Phralak–Phralam Dance

This Week

The Phralak–Phralam dance will be preserved and passed on to a new generation under a joint project signed by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Embassy of India in Laos on 19 January.

The seven-month project, valued at USD 42,960, will provide new costumes and performance equipment for dancers, performers and musicians at the National College of Arts.

The initiative aims to strengthen teaching capacity, support art students, and protect a traditional performance that shares cultural roots dating back centuries. The project also aligns with the Lao government’s goal to conserve and promote national cultural heritage while ensuring its relevance in today’s context.

Beyond Phralak–Phralam, the Lao national dance, Lamvong, has received global recognition. In December 2024, UNESCO added Lamvong to its Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list, acknowledging the dance’s cultural significance in representing Lao traditions, values, and community life. 

Originally performed during harvest celebrations in rural areas, Lamvong has evolved into a central part of Lao weddings, festivals, and national events, illustrating the ongoing effort to preserve the nation’s performing arts.

In addition, the khaen, a traditional Lao bamboo mouth organ, was recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage in December 2017. 

Deeply embedded in Lao social life, khaen music is passed down through families and community groups. Local initiatives help transmit this unique musical tradition to younger generations, both through formal education and informal learning.

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