Lao New Year a time of joy despite the Covid outbreak

Despite fears about the spread of Covid-19, Lao people both in and outside the country greatly enjoyed the Lao New Year (Pi Mai Lao) celebrations last week.
The festival was more muted than usual due to Covid restrictions, and the customary events on the streets and in public places were banned, including outdoor entertainment such as street parties, street fairs, Miss Lao New Year beauty contests and processions, and concerts.
Nevertheless, everyone revelled in the chance for a holiday and get-togethers with work colleagues, friends and family.

Children and grandchildren take part in the Somma ceremony, when they ask their mother and grandmother for New Year blessings.

The three days of fun-filled activities from April 14-16 saw people visit their parents, older relatives and friends to ask for and to bestow good wishes for the coming year.
In practice, the celebrations began several days before April 14 and finally came to a close on Sunday, April 17.
Everyone attended Baci ceremonies and small parties and went to temples to pour water on Buddha images, receive blessings from monks, and earn merit by making sand stupas and giving alms and donations.
In the countryside, people also practised age-old rituals, with young people sprinkling water on the hands and shoulders of their elders and asking for their blessings for the year ahead.
This is known as the Somma ceremony, when children and grandchildren give presents to their parents and grandparents and ask for their forgiveness for wrongdoings over the past year, and ask for good wishes for the future.
Vientiane residents complied with government guidelines and hosted meals or small parties at home rather than seeking entertainment further afield.
In the provinces, traditional rituals were widely observed, with people going to temples to make merit and visiting their relatives and friends. Many families headed to rivers for picnics or swimming.
Houses were also cleaned in order to dispel any lingering misfortune and signify a fresh new start in life.
Lao New Year is the highlight of the Lao calendar and is a time to celebrate Lao identity, strengthen family bonds, engage in much loved traditions, and anticipate a bright year ahead.
It is a time of merry-making and the observance of age-old customs, while foreigners living in Laos and those visiting the country are always happy to observe and participate in the colourful celebrations.
A resident of Chanthabouly district, Vientiane, Mr Vilay Chanphasouk, said “I really enjoyed celebrating Lao New Year by taking part in traditional activities with my family and friends.”
“I had a great time and everything was a lot of fun. It’s been good to see people wearing colourful clothing as usual at Lao New Year,” Mr Vilay said.
“Like everyone else, I enjoy taking part in all the activities and going to temples to pour water on Buddha images, to make merit and to ask for blessings. I believe that doing good things will give me a better life and improve my work situation.”
“I’ve also attended small Baci ceremonies organised by my relatives and friends’ families. But I’m afraid of Covid and always try to stay a safe distance from other people, and not drink too much.”
“It’s a wonderful time and everyone enjoys it. But this year we can only observe the ceremonies in family groups because we’re not allowed to gather in large numbers, in order to prevent the spread of Covid. I’m trying my best to avoid crowded places as I don’t want to run the risk of picking up the virus.”
Ms Buasone Pinthong, who lives in Xayaboury province, said “Like in other parts of the country, people here always enjoy the Lao New Year celebrations. I think everyone enjoys this occasion and we must make sure that what we do is both fun and safe, despite the restraints.”
“I’ve had a good time with my family, doing things the traditional way. The celebrations everywhere are orderly and peaceful and everyone has had fun,” she added.
“The holiday is a time for families to get together and take part in traditional rituals such as pouring perfumed water on Buddha statues in homes and temples, and pouring perfumed water onto the hands or shoulders of our older relatives to ask for their blessings and forgiveness.”
“Of course, we should continue these fine traditions and preserve them for future generations,” Ms Buasone said.

By Visith Teppalath
(Latest Update April 18, 2022)