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Pi Mai Lao, nation welcomes Year of the Pig

Millions of people across the country enjoyed the traditional Pi Mai Lao celebration this week by welcoming the New Year 2562, which is the Year of the Pig. 
Despite temperatures soaring to above 40 degrees over the three-days of Pi Mai over April 14-16, many folk braved the heat to have fun throwing water at each other along many of the major roads in Vientiane.
Some people organised Baci ceremonies and invited family and friends for this very special time which is also the biggest festival of the year on the Buddhist calendar in Laos.

Temples nationwide saw the usual influx of devotees following the age-old tradition of Songnampha which involves pouring water over Buddha images. This family-centred event sees groups going from place to place to visit at least nine temples in the belief that this will bring good luck during the coming year.
This year, many provinces across the country organised Miss Lao New Year processions (Nang Sangkhan) and colourful performances for local and overseas visitors. Unfortunately, the nation’s capital missed out on the opportunity to see this exciting event when Vientiane authorities cancelled them this year.  However, people in the capital city still celebrated with gusto on the main streets as they have in previous years including along Setthathirath, Samsenthai and Chao Fa Ngum Roads. Large crowds also gathered at Don Chan Beach to enjoy various activities in the sand during the festival.
As part of the nation promoting Visit Laos-China Year and targeting more than 4.5 million visitors in 2019, colourful Nang Sangkhan processions took place in several provinces including Luang Prabang, Savannakhet, Khammuan and Champassak.
One of the biggest Nang Sangkhan processions this year was in World Heritage-listed Luang Prabang where thousands of domestic and international visitors joined in the festivities.
Luang Prabang province held numerous activities from April 11-17 including an elephant procession and traditional local market fair. 

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update April 18, 2019)


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