VIENTIANE (Xinhua): People celebrated the Lao New Year Festival in a more restrained way than usual this year due to the Covid-19 restrictions.
Celebration activities in the Lao capital Vientiane were scaled down by the Lao government when some of the provinces enjoyed a livelier scene with activities taking place in the streets.
The festival in Vientiane was more muted than usual due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and the customary events on the streets and in public places were banned, including outdoor entertainment such as street fairs, Miss Lao New Year beauty contests, and concerts.
This year, Vientiane's streets were devoid of the customary revelry and were almost empty of people and traffic. However, many people hosted parties in their homes and enjoyed the time with family and friends.
"This year I stayed in Vientiane and hosted a small party at my house. I had a very good time with my family and friends. The celebrations were very colorful and everyone dressed in bright clothes," Vatsana Savanxay, a 32-year-old woman resident in Vientiane, told Xinhua.
"We went to temples to pour water on Buddha figures and had a lot of fun eating meals together and sprinkling water on each other."
Younger people respectfully poured perfumed water on the hands of their elders and asked for their blessings for the year ahead.
"The Lao New Year is an important time and occurs only once a year. I think it's an excellent opportunity to foster cultural traditions and preserve our fine customs," she said.
Vatsana said she also took part in Baci ceremonies organised by other families and friends, adding that it is good that people enjoyed small parties and rituals.
Baci ceremony is a special ceremony in Laos that has been practised for hundreds of years, which involves the tying of strings around a person's wrists and the prayer saying or well-wishing for the person.
"Of course, this year it was important to take precautions because of the Covid-19 outbreak. I and everyone else did our best to prevent the spread of infection," she said.
The Lao New Year is the most important festival in the Lao calendar and it is a time of endless fun for the Laotians.
Some Vientiane residents took the China-Laos Railway high-speed train to the northern Laos' tourist hubs of Luang Prabang or Vangvieng, where the atmosphere was much livelier.
In the town of Luang Prabang, an ancient Lao capital and a top destination for visitors during the festival, many of the traditional events took place as usual. Meanwhile, Vangvieng district in Vientiane province was as popular as ever with those seeking a relaxed vibe during this five-day holiday from last Wednesday to Sunday.
A Southat Sengvy, 27, described the activities he took part this year. "I had a great time over Lao New Year. I and my friends took a train to Luang Prabang because many colorful events took place normally," he told Xinhua.
He spent time with his friends in Luang Prabang for two nights and stayed in Vangvieng for one night before coming back to Vientiane.
He said the celebrations in Luang Prabang were very colorful and as meaningful as always.
"We had a lot of fun and enjoyed ourselves a great deal, even though we had to be aware of Covid-19 prevention."
"We enjoyed sharing meals, tying strings on each other's wrists, pouring water on each other and wishing everyone good luck. In the temples we visited, we splashed water on Buddha images, made merit and ask for blessing from monks. It's a wonderful time and everyone enjoys it."
The Lao New Year fell on April 14-16 this year, while the holiday for festival lasted from last Wednesday to Sunday when many people return for family reunions.
Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith delivered a New Year message on Wednesday, encouraging the Laotians to overcome the challenges and wishing the new year be a year of hope.
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