By Lae Keoluangta
Boun Pee Mai Lao or Lao New Year is the festival that Lao people you are Buddhists taking this time to go to temples to make merit such as make the food offering to monks and novices and clean the Buddha images.
The most important part of the festival is Baci1 ceremony, young people take this ritual to ask for wish and bless from the elderly people for example, grandparents, parents, venerable monks during this auspicious occasion. The Lao people from all walk of life conduct the festival by pouring water on each other to was the bad luck from the old year, that’s why this festival is called “Boun Lin Nam” or “Water Festival” in English which is the main activity to do during the event.
One thing that has to have in New Year is Nag Sang khan procession. It is important because people in the country believe that these particularly beautiful girls can indicate the life, good luck and bad luck in the year, it is the reason why the procession is held in almost part of Laos, especially in Luangprabang province, it is the fascinating and charming activity in this province when it has such a festival.
It comes around the middle of April, which starts from 12th or 13th. Lao people celebrate it throughout the country. Boun Pee Mai, If literally translate in English, it means Festival New Year. The original word is from Sanskrit word.
Local people and tourist also celebrate it by going to visit tourist attractions and natural places are more popular than other places, they go there for picnic with partners or family.
Some of teenagers sing and dance along the road then people pass by splashing to them, sometimes it is strong splash but nobody complains about that because they think that this is water festival, it is normal to get wet. If you don’t get wet, it means you are not lucky for the year.
Apart from these activities, releasing birds to the forest and letting turtles, fish and eels to the river is good thing that is prevalent phenomenon thing during this enjoyable festival. Pee Mai is full of fun and merit.
Baci = tie people’s wrist with white cotton thread to wish and bless them for good luck and welcome upcoming year
Nang Sang Khan = Miss Beauty of Boun Pee Mai
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I can sense the excitement you have in this festival. Very intersting, original and what a good effort you've put in. I can you crafting it by yourself, well done. I'd highlight a few words for your notice:
ReplyDelete1) People from all walks of life celebrate (not conduct) this festival by pouring water to ward off (not 'was') the bad luck from the previous year.
2) Pee Mai is full of fun and 'merit'. The 'merit' is used wrongly - how about 'full of fun and life'?
Mrs Mun