Pi-Mai/Songkran (Lao New Year)

Pi-Mai, also known as Songkran in Thailand, is the Lao New Year celebration, marking a time of renewal and the embracing of a positive future. This festive occasion is deeply rooted in Lao culture and is observed with various traditions, rituals, and festivities. One of the most iconic aspects of Pi-Mai is the widespread use of water, which holds significant cultural symbolism for Lao communities. Water is used to cleanse and purify, symbolizing the washing away of the old year’s troubles and welcoming the new year with a fresh start. During Pi-Mai, people engage in spirited water fights, water-based rituals, and the sprinkling of water on Buddha statues and elders as a sign of respect and blessing. It is a joyous time for family gatherings, community celebrations, and the sharing of goodwill as Lao people come together to usher in the new year with hope and optimism.