Water blessing at the Lao New Year

Are you ready to get rid of any ‘bad luck ‘from the past year by immersing yourself in the religious festivities? Bui Anh Phong Country Manager of ASIA DMC Laos shares about his experience on the most significant dates in the Lao calendar.

Much like Thailand and Myanmar, water is considered as a good luck charm in Laos.

The Lao New Year (Pii Mai) is one of the most significant dates in the Lao calendar. In 2017 the New Year celebrations will start on the 13th of April and finish on the 17th. The holiday is one of the purest reflections of Laos’s identity, the reinforcement of family bonds and the reflection on the opportunities the year ahead can bring.

Although it is celebrated throughout the country, nowhere puts on a more spectacular display of ancient traditions and colorful pageantry than the northern heritage city of Luang Prabang.

Traditional dances at Luang Prabang. 

The first day, April 13, is the day of renewal when local people bathe the Buddha deities, repaint the temple and clean their houses. In Laos’s tradition, young people seeks the blessings of their elders for the year ahead by pouring water on their hands and submitting themselves for service. Usually the leader of the family will make a short speech at the end of the ceremony.

Much like Thailand and Myanmar, water is considered as a good luck charm in Laos so the blessing of relatives, friends and even strangers will be marked with water throughout the festival. Traditionally, you wish someone ‘Happy New Year’ (‘Sok Dii Pimai’), before pouring water over their head, symbolizing the washing away of sins signifying a new start. 

Luang Prabang, Laos. 

The highlights of Pimai Lao for most of tourists is the second day of festivities (14th April), known as ’the day of no day’; a day of transition that is neither part of the old nor the New Year. Though it’s not as busy as Bangkok you will struggle to find a room if it is not pre-booked (especially Vientiane and Luang Prabang) and even if you do flights would have been booked up a long time ago!

The blessing of relatives, friends and even strangers will be marked with water throughout the festival.

As a local, we would like to suggest some activities that visitors should not miss: 

- Marvel at the thousands of sand stupas on the banks of the Mekong, with their colorful banners and offerings, designed to stop evil spirits from passing into the new year (14th April).

- Don’t miss the procession of Prabang, with one of Laos’ most celebrated Buddha deities, from the former Royal Palace to Vat Mai, followed by hundreds of monks in their bright orange shrouds

- No Lao festival would be complete without a beauty pageant, of which Nang Sangkhan (Miss New Year) is the most famous of all. The procession of the beauty queen is spectacular and hugely popular. From across the country teenage hopefuls sponsored by leading Lao brands, flock to Luang Prabang hoping to impress the judges.

- For an authentic display of traditional Lao music, dance and costume, head to the National Museum on the 15th April. For music lovers, there’s also a range of instruments you probably never knew existed.

Old Temple At Luang Prabang In Laos

During Pi Mai Lao, the party goes on until late. But be prepared to get soaked. Flower is also added to the water, so expect to resemble a half-baked pizza before the end of the day!

I couldn't imagine before that even their New Year will be busy. And even if it is, the locals are just so fantastic that you will probably have a better time being here for a great experience. Laos is just wonderful and it’s worth a trip. 

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