Lao New Year Holiday in Laos

Date

Lao New Year, also known as Pi Mai or Songkran, is a significant holiday celebrated in Laos. It typically takes place from April 13 to April 15 each year.

History

The festival has its roots in the Theravada Buddhist tradition, marking the end of the old year and the beginning of a new one. It aligns with the traditional lunar calendar and is related to other regional New Year celebrations found in countries like Thailand and Cambodia.

Traditions

• Water Festival: Central to Lao New Year is the water festival. Water is used for washing homes, Buddha statues, and splashing on friends and family. This act symbolizes purification and washing away of one's sins and bad luck from the previous year.

• Baci Ceremony: A spiritual ritual called 'Baci' is performed to call back escaped spirits to the body ensuring harmony and balance for the new year ahead.

• Sand Stupas: People create small sand stupas on temple grounds as part of making merit, which are often decorated with flags, flowers, and white lines.

• Beauty Pageants: In many places, beauty pageants take place to crown Miss Pi Mai Lao as part of the festivities.

• Processions: Parades featuring music, dancing, and floats are common sights on city streets during Pi Mai.

• Traditional Games: Traditional games are played by communities such as 'Toukabalom', where people form a circle by holding hands and trying to keep a ball off the ground using their feet.

What People Do

During Lao New Year, people engage in various activities:

1. They return home to spend time with family.
2. They clean their houses thoroughly as a symbolic act of starting anew.
3. They visit temples to pray for good luck and participate in religious ceremonies.
4. They exchange gifts with friends and family.
5. Many enjoy festive meals featuring traditional Lao food.
6. Participating in street parties with music, dance, and revelry is common among younger generations.

The holiday combines religious significance with joyous celebration, reflecting both respect for tradition and an embrace of community spirit.