PIMAI, LAO NEW YEAR
Every year in April, Laos celebrates one of the most important dates in the Lao calendar: Lao New Year. It officially lasts for 3 days and is observed following many traditions and celebrations. It is considered a time of joy and new beginnings.
The blessing of Buddha images, monks, relatives, friends and passers-by with water continues throughout the festival. Traditionally, you wish someone a happy new year, before pouring water over their shoulder, symbolizing the washing away of sins committed in the past year. Nowadays, water is also shot through water pistols, thrown from buckets and pans, creating an enormous water fight that’s impossible to avoid.
