As Buddhist temple gatherings get more popular, they play a key role in helping the rapidly growing Thai and Lao populations in the South connect with each other and share their culture with the larger community.
Buddhist temples attract locals and travelers alike for the festivals. As these temple gatherings get more popular, they play a key role in helping the rapidly growing Thai and Lao populations in the South connect with each other and share their culture with the larger community.
Lamai Begue, 43, immigrated to New Orleans from Thailand in 2002 and only knew a few people before she found Wat Wimuttayaram Buddhist Temple of Louisiana. Southeast Asian immigrants arrived in the United States in large numbers in the 1970s and ’80s as refugees from Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos fled communist regimes following the end of the Vietnam War. The first wave of refugees were often sponsored by individuals or religious organizations like churches or synagogues that determined where in the United States they would initially settle.
Moukdavanh Ngonephetsy moved from Rockford, Ill., to Tennessee and joined Wat Amphawan of America in Murfreesboro four years ago. There, she sees broad interest in the Thai-Lao food fairs the temple holds twice a year. People travel from all over the area to get a taste of Southeast Asian food from one of the many volunteer cooks.
In April, the food fair had a $30 all-you-can eat entry fee and 30 different dishes on the roster, from stir-fried beef to Ngonephetsy’s homemade egg rolls. While food is the main attraction, Ngonephetsy also sees the events as a chance for the temple community to share their religion and culture. The fair features traditional dances and music, and the temple always makes sure there’s a monk present for attendees who may have questions about the temple or traditions.
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