A grand celebration was held on June 7 at the National Cultural Hall in Vientiane to honor UNESCO's recognition of Laos’ traditional naga motif weaving as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone presided over the event.

The celebration saw participation from Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism Suansavanh Viyaket, Minister of Education and Sports Phout Simmalavong, former Party and state leaders, international diplomats, writers, monks, researchers, students, Vientiane residents, and other relevant representatives.

“Lao women wear unique traditional costumes passed down through generations, featuring multiple colors and designs deeply connected to the lives of different regions and provinces,” said Minister Suansavanh Viyaketh. She highlighted the tradition where Lao girls begin learning weaving from an early age, guided by their mothers and grandmothers through hands-on practice and oral tradition.

The naga weaving motif, created with imagination and reverence, is the most admired and distinct design among Lao textiles. This tradition has been integral to Lao culture, passed down as a refined and unique heritage.

Following the recognition of khaen music in 2017, the Lao government, led by the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism, conducted extensive research on Lao cultural elements with national and international appeal. The naga weaving motif was presented to UNESCO after years of study, monitoring, and proposal presentations.

On December 6, 2023, the 18th National Conference of UNESCO on Intangible Heritage in Botswana endorsed the naga weaving motif as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity. The world heritage certificate was received by a Lao delegation in Paris on February 28, 2024.