Lao people welcomes Pi Mai Lao
People from across Laos have enjoyed celebrating Pi Mai Lao or Lao New Year which was officially marked from April 14-16.
This year’s Pi Mai Lao celebrations were even more colorful taking place during Visit Laos Year with international visitors joining in one of the most important festivals on the local calendar and endless fun that highlights the Lao identity.
Pi Mai Lao sees the Buddhist calendar changing from the year 2560 to 2561 and these are traditionally represented in Laos by the Laka (cock) and Chor (dog) respectively.
Vientiane and many provinces such as Luang Prabang, Khammuan, Savannakhet and Champassak organised special activities such as a Nang Sangkharn (Miss Pi Mai Lao) contests, official Buddha processions and watering of Buddha images, beach sports competitions, product fairs, sand stupa building and cultural performances.
Luang Prabang province's celebrations included special activities to also mark Visit Laos Year and its official recognition as a city on April 15 in front of the National Museum followed by Miss Lao New Year and other cultural processions which attracted thousands of people including domestic and international visitors.
Attending the event were President Bounnhang Vorachit, provincial governor of Luang Prabang, Mr Khamkhanh Chanthavisouk along with central and provincial officials.
Decree of Lao Prime Minister on declaring Luang Prabang district a city was read by Deputy Minister of Home Affairs and member of the preparation committee, Mr Khammoun Viphongxay.
To recognise the special occasion, this year's Lao New Year celebrations in Luang Prabang are running from April 11-20, according to the province's Information, Culture and Tourism Department.
Strong rainstorms occurring during the Lao New Year period across many areas including Vientiane and Luang Prabang failed to dampen the continuous celebrations and activities.
In Luang Prabang, New Year was celebrated in a lively atmosphere with every corner of the city full of people pouring water on each other and having fun by listening to music, drinking and dancing. Meanwhile, each temple was filled with devotees watering Buddha images, making merit and practicing rituals.
Lao New Year usually takes place from April 13-15 or April 14-16 in accordance with the Buddhist calendar, and many meaningful activities, traditions and rituals are practised during the festival such as pouring water on Buddha images in temples, baci ceremonies (tying threads on wrists for blessings) and spraying water on each other to seek blessings for the year ahead.
Lao New Year is a fine tradition of the people which has been continued from generation to generation and celebrated by Lao folk domestically and abroad with many returning home to reunite with family.
It's also a festival of friendship, unity and solidarity as people enjoy making merit and organising parties, as well as showing respect and extending best wishes to their parents, elderly relatives and friends.
Editor: John Li