Lao New Year – Voice of Laos

Lao New Year, also known as Songkran Festival, is one of the most important and widely celebrated festivals in Laos. The festival marks the traditional New Year, with various celebrations taking place across the country, but Luang Prabang is a particularly charming and culturally rich place to experience Songkran celebrations.

Here is an overview of Songkran, the Lao New Year, in Luang Prabang:

date: Lao New Year usually falls between April 13th and 15th every year. These dates may vary slightly depending on the lunar calendar, so it’s best to check the specific dates for the year you plan to visit.

Songkran Festival: Songkran, often referred to as the “Water Festival,” is a joyous festival where locals and tourists alike engage in friendly water fights to symbolize cleansing and purification for the coming year.

Alms: Luang Prabang is famous for its traditional almsgiving ceremony, where Buddhist monks walk through the streets to receive alms (food and necessities) from the local community and devout Buddhists. During Songkran, this alms-giving ritual becomes even more important, with larger crowds participating in this spiritual ritual.

procession: The festival is marked by large processions of locals dressed in traditional costumes carrying Buddha images and other sacred objects through the streets of Luang Prabang, providing an opportunity for people to pay their respects and make offerings.

Kissing Ceremony: The white rope tying ceremony is a traditional ceremony in Laos, held during Songkran Festival and other important occasions. During the ceremony, participants tie white strings around their wrists to symbolize good luck, health and unity.

Activities to do good deeds: During the Lao New Year, many people go to temples to pray. This includes making offerings to monks, releasing birds or fish as symbols of liberation, and contributing to various charitable activities.

Cultural performances: The Songkran Festival in Luang Prabang is often accompanied by traditional Laotian dance and music performances, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Food and street markets: The festival is also a great time to enjoy traditional Laotian food and street food. Night markets spring up during Songkran, offering a variety of local dishes and handicrafts for visitors to try and buy.

Blessing of Water: In addition to the fun water fights, the water element of Songkran Festival has a more solemn side, with people bathing Buddha statues, elders and family members with water to show respect and good wishes.

Songkran, the Lao New Year in Luang Prabang, is a vibrant and culturally significant event that offers an immersive experience into the traditions, spirit and warmth of the Lao people. If you plan to visit during this time, be prepared to get wet and embrace the festive atmosphere that permeates the city during this joyous celebration.