They have decided to exclude them from the festivities after finding that it was too expensive and that arguments broke out among young people in previous years due to the excessive consumption of alcohol.

Head of Viengkeo village in Xaythany district, Norlaphong Phengkhampang, said that this year’s Phaved festival will go ahead without a band and focus more on the religious ceremonies.

Most people were in favour of the decision because the village’s income from the sale of goods associated with the band such as food and drinks was insufficient and excessive drinking resulted in disruptive behaviour.

Certain families were out of pocket after paying for the band and hosting parties for friends.

Another reason for the decision was that the village does not have a suitable area where the band can play. In the past, bands played in the temple grounds and alcoholic drinks were served in this sacred area, Norlaphong said.

A Phaved is a religious or temple festival and many villages are now organising such an event. Most combine religious ceremonies and a band, especially in communities outside the city centre. Festivals held in the city do not normally include a band and focus more on the religious aspects of the occasion.

According to the law on the control of alcoholic drinks, which was promulgated last year, concerning locations where alcohol can be served, Article 29 says the sale of alcohol should not take place near healthcare or educational institutions, state offices, religious venues, embassies, public parks, theatres, passenger vehicle stations, petrol stations, sports complexes or factories.

Along with Viengkeo, other villages in the district have decided not to hire a band for the festival, including Dongdok, Khamhoung and Houaytouay.

An official at the Information, Culture and Tourism office in Xaythany district said there was no ban on village authorities arranging for music to be played at the festival, but they did not issue a licence for bands to play in temple grounds.

It is a longstanding custom for bands to play at traditional festivals. However, celebrating a festival without a band is a good thing because the presence of a band is a luxury and the social merriment that goes with it increases the risk of road accidents, the official said.

Director of the Vientiane Information, Culture and Tourism Department, Khampadith Khemmanith, said that it was a good thing if festivals did not include a band to entertain guests because it cut down noise and reduced alcohol consumption. In addition, many bands play beyond the time limit at night, which disturbs other people.