- This event has passed.
ຕັກບາດ ບຸນປີໃໝ່ – Lao New Year
April 5 @ 8:00 am - 3:00 pm
Sabaidi Pi Mai (Lao for) Happy New Year
The Spring festival is celebrated in April per the lunar calendar. It is expressed in the theme of Water Festival, which involves;
- Water is for purification and the essence of life, a symbolic spiritual cleansing, for emotional self in preparation for a renewal. The gentle sprinkling of fragrant water over the Buddha statues and over family members and friends is a gesture of well-wishing, respect and an affirmation.
- Baci ceremony is a mixed ritual of Brahmanism, Animism and Buddhism as a spiritual event. It has been a common practice in Laos and was prevalent in the region even before Buddhism made inroads into the country. The custom is linked to the ancient belief of the human psyche considered as kwan, spirits or soul. It’s intended to establish a social and family bond, to maintain balance and harmony in the community.
- People gather at a community center, the Buddhist temple, for prayers, meditation and alms offering in dedication to the spirit of loved ones and ancestors.
- A parade of Nang Sangkhan, girls emulate seven daughters of the Deva named Kabinlaphom —Hindu mythical figure who lost his head in the betting bid on guessing the correct answer to the question about human sites of daily “RASY” (soul). He lost the bid for not naming the sites correctly. So his decapitated head was preserved and bestowed on a sacred place. Every year on this occasion, It had to be blessed with a cleansing ceremony to prevent drought and bad omen for the community. The seven girls symbolize the seven days of the week.
On this auspicious occasion, it is an honor to share in a sanctification ceremony according to Lao tradition. The ritual is done in its original format just as it has been practiced in Laos over the millennium, signifying a substantiation of cultural preservation aimed to engage, educate and encourage our younger generation to carry on as part of their cultural identity. This is also to enhance the sense of belonging and unity, to express love and respect for one another.
The essence of Lao cultural values is focused on facilitating the spiritual communion and emotional bonding among family, friends and acquaintances. It is a public form of affirmation and reassurance of inclusiveness as an integral part of the local Lao community. Bless you all from the Board of LBCN_2025.