The Starlight Sharing Foundation shares happiness during the Lao New Year celebrations! Warm New Year stories

Hello! Today, I'll be introducing you to the Laotian New Year festival, Pi Mai.

The Pi Mai Festival is the biggest holiday in Laos, marking the New Year. "Pi Mai" means "New Year" in Lao, and "Bun" means "festival." It symbolizes the shunning of bad luck from the past year and the wish for good fortune in the coming year. People sprinkle water on each other, wishing each other happiness and prosperity.

Every April, Laos is filled with colorful events and customs, but the festive atmosphere is especially vibrant in Luang Prabang during the New Year festival.

Now, let's dive into the charm of Bon Pi Mai, the Laotian New Year festival!

• Holidays start: April 12, 2025

• Official New Year's Day: April 14-16 (This year, the holiday is extended from April 13-16!)

• Location: Throughout Laos (especially active in Luang Prabang)

• Cultural Background: The New Year is celebrated based on the Sun's passage from Pisces to Aries.

The Starlight Sharing Foundation happened to be hosting a Korean language course opening meeting at the Champasak Technology Development Center to celebrate the Laotian New Year. Thanks to this, the festive atmosphere was truly captivating. While the official New Year celebrations run from April 14th to 16th, 2025, participants can enjoy feasts and parties on any day of their choice throughout the month, making the richness of the celebration even more palpable.

The main event of the Pimai Festival is a morning temple visit to pray for good fortune. Visitors visit the temple with family and friends and perform a ritual called "Songpa."

'Songpa' is a ritual where people sprinkle water on Buddha with sincerity and apply the water that flows down to their hair and body.

It is said to contain the meaning of washing away bad energy and wishing for only good luck.

In the afternoon, families and friends celebrate by splashing water on each other. It's believed that the more water splashed on one another, the greater the fortune. Another fun part of the Pi Mai Festival is the custom of "Bassisukuan," where people tie bracelets together to pray for good luck.

Well, then, shall we enjoy the Pimai Festival at the Champasak Technology Development Center, which the Starlight Sharing Foundation also enjoyed together?

Bounhieng Chanthasack, director of the Champasak Technology Development Center, personally performs a traditional ritual, sprinkling water on faculty and staff to wish them happiness. To one side, an altar decorated with colorful flowers and leaves adds to the festive atmosphere.

The sight of many people sitting and offering sacrifices and tying bracelets around each other's wrists is impressive.

During the ceremony, everyone is praying with serious expressions, wishing for blessings.

The altar, beautifully decorated with colorful offerings, including flowers of every color, is impressive. Its appearance is both pious and splendid, as if it embodies the hopes and aspirations of the Laotian people.

Of course, a festival couldn't be complete without delicious food. The dazzling array of dishes was a feast for both the eyes and the palate. Tasting a variety of traditional Laotian dishes further enhanced the festival's excitement.

Finally, we took a meaningful commemorative photo with the faculty and staff of the Cheompasak Technical School. This moment felt even more meaningful because we were with those who will shoulder the bright future of Laos.

This year's Laos "Pi Mai" festival was a special experience for the Starlight Sharing Foundation, allowing us to experience Laotian culture and traditions firsthand. If you have the chance, please join us!

With the Starlight Sharing Foundation~^^

So far, it has been a story about starlight.

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