Bun Pi May Festival of Laos
The biggest festival in Laos is Bun Pi May, or New Year, held in April of the solar calendar, which falls in May of the Lao calendar, so this festival is also called Bun Duong Ha (May Festival). Bun Pi May also has another name, Bun Not Nam (Water Splashing Festival). Monks call this festival the Buddha's Birthday Festival. For the people, this is a festival to pray for rain to start the harvest after many months of drought.
Therefore, on Tet holiday, water symbolizes blessings and good wishes. Since then, water splashing has become a traditional ritual custom, and also the most fun game of the Lao ethnic people.
During Tet, everywhere, pagodas are decorated splendidly, but still maintain an ancient and humble appearance. Here, monks preside over the water-splashing ceremony for Buddha statues.
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Water festival during Bun Pi May festival. |
The villagers carry a bowl of scented water in one hand and a flower branch in the other, sprinkling scented water on the Buddha statue or pouring water on the monks to wish them a happy new year. Guests, regardless of age, gender, acquaintance or stranger, are all given a ladle of water to celebrate happiness and wish them good luck.
Clothes worn on Tet holiday must be soaked with water to be considered lucky. The person who pours a lot of water will do many good things, the person who receives a lot of water will receive many good things. Everywhere is bustling with the sound of drums, panpipes, music, joyful dancing, and chasing each other to sprinkle water.
During Bun Pi May days, when music and singing are heard, graceful Lao girls in traditional costumes come to invite you and stand waiting to dance the romantic Lam Vong dance.
"No one is alone in the Lam Vong festival.
Girl with loving eyes and red cheeks
The boy has flexible hands and strong legs.
A closed circle of dance to remember each other...".
For many years, in the procession of Nang Xan Khan - the Lady of Spring, Lao people make a big Dragon, the animal of the new year, bringing luck and prosperity to the village and the country.
Bun Pi May Festival, along with vibrant folk and temple activities, has created a unique feature of Lao culture.
Tran Kim Don
