KPL
Lao people across the country came together in vibrant celebrations to welcome the Lao New Year (Pi Mai Lao or Bun Pi Mai), embracing the season with age-old traditions, religious ceremonies, and joyful festivities.
(KPL) Lao people across the country came together in vibrant celebrations to welcome the Lao New Year (Pi Mai Lao or Bun Pi Mai), embracing the season with age-old traditions, religious ceremonies, and joyful festivities.
From bustling city streets to serene temple courtyards, Lao people marked the occasion with unity, reverence, and exuberance.
This year’s Lao New Year, observed from April 14 to 16 (B.E. 2568), are seeing people across the country hosting a variety of cultural activities. Temples overflowed with devotees, streets echoed with laughter, and families gathered to honour ancestors and elders—all while maintaining the peace and harmony that define this sacred holiday.
In Vientiane, the capital transformed into a hub of celebration, with locals and tourists alike joining in the festivities. The spiritual essence of the holiday was highlighted through Baci ceremonies, where threads were tied around wrists to call back wandering spirits and invoke blessings for the new year. At temples across the city, devotees lined up to pour scented water over Buddha statues, a ritual symbolizing purification, renewal, and the washing away of past misfortunes.
A key tradition of Lao New Year is the act of paying respect to elders, teachers, and community leaders. Younger family members performed the Basi ceremony (Sou khuan), gently pouring water over the hands of parents and grandparents while offering well-wishes for health and longevity. This gesture of gratitude reinforced family bonds and cultural values passed down through generations.
“This is the time when we show our love and respect to those who have guided us,” said Khamphaeng, a Vientiane resident. “It’s not just about fun; it’s about remembering our roots.”
No Lao New Year is complete without the playful water fights that take over the streets. In Vientiane, crowds armed with buckets, water guns, and hoses drenched passersby in a spirited display of joy—a tradition believed to bring good luck and wash away bad energy. Music, dance performances, and traditional games added to the carnival-like atmosphere, drawing both locals and international visitors into the celebration.
KPL
