Similar to some other countries in South East Asia, such as Cambodia, Thailand, and Myanmar, where Buddhism is the national religion, Laos has its own New Year’s Celebration with a water festival, called “Bun Pi May”. The celebration takes place from 13 to 15 April annually, during the period which has the longest daytime of the year - 14 hours a day.
To start the water festival, on the last day of the old year (April 13), Laotians clean their houses, repaint temples and prepare the scented water which is made from saffron, locust, flowers, and aromatic plants. This perfume will be used to anoint Buddha statues, Buddhist trees, and flowers around the temple. It is believed that the water used to wash a Buddha statue is blessed, and therefore people collect water to pour on the family members and relatives. Not only do they spray water on each other, but they also pour blessed water onto their home, objects of worship, animals and means of production. Splashing water on others symbolizes the cleansing of all bad things, including diseases and the welcome of a thriving and healthy New Year. The wetter a person becomes, the more likely luck and happiness they will receive.
April 14 is the day of transition between the old year and the new year and it is also the time that the water festival reaches its highest and liveliest point. The lively New Year atmosphere is most evident in big cities like Vientiane and Luang Prabang. The sound that emanates from the rhythm of the drums, singing and Lamvong dance, and from the laughter of the boys and girls, wakes up every street corner, is like a passionate call encourages people to venture into the city and become a part of the festival. Seen from afar, the whole city is adorned with flowers.
People get ready with the big water cannons and the balloons which are filled with powders, water, creams, various colors, and dyes. This liquid is used in the main part of the water festival - a water fight. Tourists play a part in the festival atmosphere will have the precious opportunity to participate with the local population in the most wonderful and joyful event in the world. The water fight has the magical power to connect people of different ages, nations, and religions; therefore it does not matter old or young, friend or stranger, local or foreign; everyone can share the same moment and the same feeling - the desire to be blessed and have fun.
To mark the last day of the water feast, April 15th, a traditional blessing ceremony takes place within the family. To express respect, young people gently pour water on the elderly and hoping for them to have a long and healthy life. In return, the elders will give a short speech to bless their family and highlight some important events such as births or weddings. Another thing that should not be missed on this occasion is the sandcastles that represent the mountain of Phoukaokailat. Thousands of sandcastles on the banks of the Mekong, decorated with Buddha images, flowers, and white arches, are built and then splashed with scented water to wish for good health and luck, as well as to avoid bad spirits from spending New Year’s Eve.
Furthermore, the Laotian New Year would not be complete without a beauty contest, of which the Nangsoukhane is the most popular. Before the celebrations every year, they organize a contest to choose the most beautiful girl, but she must have a good personality. Dressed in colorful clothes, with one hand holding a sword and the other a symbolic circle of fire, Nangsoukhane along with six other competitors, who symbolize the seven daughters of King Kabinlaphom, is carried in procession on a splendid float. After the procession, the lines of people sing and dance under the spell of the sensational drums, as people gather on the street to throw water on the procession and wishing each other good luck.
If you plan to take part in the Laotian New Year - Bun Pi May, be sure to cover the camera, passport, cell phone and other personal belongings in a waterproof bag or better, leave it in a safe place. Be aware that most restaurants and shops will be closed during this time. Above all, you should be ready to dance under the splash of water, face paint with talcum powder, and the best time of your life.