NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday witnessed Phalak-Phralam, also known as Phra Lak Phra Ram, in Vientiane, Laos. Phalak-Phralam is a Laotian adabtation of Ramayana and performed by the Royal Theatre of Luang Prabang.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi witnessed an episode of Lao Ramayan. Ramayan continues to be celebrated in Laos, and the epic reflects the shared heritage and age-old civilization connection between the two countries,” ministry of external affairs (MEA) said in a press release.
LIVE: PM Modi witnesses Phralak Phralam performance in Laos
The MEA further said, “Several facets of Indian culture and tradition have been practised and preserved in Laos for centuries.The two countries are closely working to illuminate their shared heritage. The Archaelogical Survey of India is involved in restoring the Vat Phou temple and related monuments in Laos.”
Prior to the Ramayana performance, the Prime Minister also participated in a blessing ceremony by senior Buddhist monks of Laos. “Met respected monks and spiritual leaders in Lao PDR, who were happy to see the honour being given to Pali by the Indian people. I am grateful to them for their blessings,” PM Modi said in a post on X.
Additionally, PM Modi also witnessed an exhibition showcasing the restoration and conservation efforts at the Vat Phou temple complex, carried out by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
Prime Minister Modi is on a two-day visit to Laos to participate in the 21st Asean-India and the 19th East Asia Summit.
Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister was accorded the ceremonial welcome upon his arrival in Laos.
LIVE: PM Modi arrives to a warm welcome in Laos
Prime Minister Modi is set to hold various bilateral discussions on the sidelines of the Asean-India summit and the East Asia summit during his visit to Laos.
In a statement prior to his departure, PM Modi said, “This year we are marking a decade of our Act East Policy. I will join the Asean leaders to review progress in our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and chart the future direction of our cooperation.”
He also mentioned that the East Asia Summit will serve as a platform to discuss the challenges to peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. “The East Asia Summit will provide an opportunity to deliberate on the challenges to peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. We share close cultural and civilisational ties with the region, including with Lao PDR, which are enriched by shared heritage of Buddhism and Ramayana. I look forward to my meetings with the Lao PDR leadership to further strengthen our bilateral ties. I am confident that this visit will further deepen our engagement with ASEAN countries,” PM said.
The Asean-India Summit will review the progress of India-Asean relations through the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and outline the future course of cooperation.