What is Bunpimay New Year? When does it take pla ce? 

Bunpimay (ປີໃໝ່ລາວ), which means Lao New Year in the Lao language, is a New Year based on the Buddhist calendar. Annually, Bunpimay is usually celebrated for three days in mid-April of the Gregorian calendar. This is the biggest festival of the year in Laos, and the entire Land of a Million Elephants is adorned with the fresh golden color of Dokkhoun flowers. The Lao people celebrate Bunpimay with activities such as water splashing, sand stupa building, and releasing animals to pray for a prosperous and happy new year. 

The Origin of the Traditional New Year in Laos 

Legend says Bunpimay originated from a Lao folktale. Long ago, a brilliant young man, Thmmaphala (also called Thammabane), son of a rich farmer, could understand birds and was very wise. His knowledge spread, making him famous. 

The sky god, Kabinlaphom, wanting to test him, posed three riddles about where a person's aura concentrates during the day (morning, afternoon, evening). Unable to answer, Thammabane was granted nine more days. He overheard eagles revealing the answers: face in the morning (hence washing), chest in the afternoon (hence bathing), and hands/feet in the evening (hence washing before bed). 

As promised, Kabinlaphom had to sacrifice his head. Before dying, he warned his seven daughters that its fall would bring disaster. So, they placed it on a golden tray in Khanthoumali cave, cleansing and returning it annually. This tale is the origin of Bunpimay. 

Today, Bunpimay includes a beauty pageant to select seven Nang Sangkhan to parade as the Ladies of Spring, with one chosen as the Lady of Spring. Her procession is celebrated with music, dancing, and New Year water blessings. 

Unique Customs for Celebrating the Lao New Year 

The Water Festival 

Water splashing is a typical and indispensable activity during Bunpimay, with the wish that water will wash away bad luck and illnesses. In particular, the water used for splashing is fragrant water made from water, turmeric, roasted pomelo peel, flowers, and perfume. This water is offered in Buddhist ceremonies for blessings and then poured onto Buddha statues. 

During the three-day festival, people splash fragrant water on houses, trees, and production tools. Friends splash water on each other, and relatives or even strangers splash water as a New Year's blessing. The water festival takes place during the hottest months of the year, and the cool water and lively atmosphere, along with the parade floats, create the unique character of this festival. The more soaked a person is, the more blessings they have received from those around them. 

Releasing Animals 

Laos is a country that values Buddhism, and Buddhist beliefs are widespread throughout the country. Therefore, during the traditional New Year, benevolent activities are also highly valued by the people. Lao people often release fish and birds as good deeds at the beginning of the new year to pray for good luck for themselves and their families. 

Building Sand Stupas 

Lao people also gather at the riverbanks to play and build sand stupas. Trucks carry sand from the river to build sand mountains, skillful artistic creations made of sand. Colorful strips of cloth are planted on the peaks of the sand mountains, and family members gather around to build sand stupas and chat with each other. This activity has become an opportunity for everyone to talk and welcome the New Year together. 

DC Technologies Wishes You a Happy Lao Traditional New Year 

DC Technologies sends warm Bunpimay wishes to the beloved people of Laos, appreciating your unique cultural traditions. We respectfully wish all our customers in Laos a successful and happy new year filled with color, peace, and prosperity. 

We hope this article has provided insights into Bunpimay's fascinating customs, fostering a greater appreciation for Laos. We wish you memorable experiences and would be delighted to share the joy if you visit during Bunpimay.