What is Pi Mai?
Pi Mai Lao or Lao New Year, one of the most important dates in the Lao Buddhist calendar. Pi Mai is celebrated with Parades, dancing, singing and splashing water at each other.
When is Pi Mai?
Pi Mai Festival takes place in April every year, from the 14th to the 16th. All tourists are free to join the locals and have a splashing good time!
Why do people splash water?
The act of splashing water signifies the washing away of any misdeeds or bad luck from the past year, paving the way for a healthy, prosperous new year.
Where to celebrate Pi Mai?
In Vientiane, try Wat Mixai, Wat Ong Teu or Wat Inpeng. As early evening approaches, head to one of the many music-water-festivals around town.
Do not forget to visit the temples!
Don’t forget to visit the temples in town to understand more about the country’s culture and religion. Lao people are very welcoming so don’t be afraid to join them for any activities.
Some important religious activities in Lao New Year
- Family members will hold a small Baci ceremony at their houses to welcome Lao New Year as well as to wish their elders good health, long life and ask for forgiveness from their elders for bad things that they did in the past year.
- Religious ceremony is carried by a monk in the temple along with making merit by setting animals free such as: tortoises, fish, birds, eels and other small animals.
- Buddha images are taken down from their permanent places, so people can pour perfumed water on them.
Note that the way Lao people celebrate Pi Mai Lao or Lao New Year might differ from region to region.
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