ສະບາຍດີປີໃໝ່! Sabaidee Pi Mai!
From all of us at the Saola Foundation, many of whom are proud Lao nationals working tirelessly to protect the Annamite Mountains – we extend our warmest wishes for happiness, health, and renewal to you and your loved ones during Lao New Year (Pi Mai).
This year, Lao New Year takes place from Monday, April 14 to Wednesday, April 16. It is a vibrant and deeply meaningful celebration, marking the start of the traditional solar year and the coming rainy season – a time of fresh beginnings for people, nature, and communities alike.
What Happens During Lao New Year (Pi Mai)?
Lao New Year is a time of joy, tradition, and connection. Here are some of the meaningful ways it’s celebrated:
- Water blessing and playful splashing, symbolizing the washing away of misfortune and the welcoming of a clean, bright new year.
- Temple visits and rituals, where families offer food to monks, wash sacred Buddha statues, and build sand stupas to earn merit.
- Baci ceremonies (ບາສີ), where white strings are tied around the wrists to offer blessings of health, good luck, and harmony.
- Family gatherings and honoring elders, as loved ones come together to share meals, stories, and traditional blessings.
- Parades and cultural events, with traditional music, dancing, and colorful processions throughout towns and villages.
- Festive foods, such as laap (minced meat salad), sticky rice, papaya salad, and sweet rice treats like khao tom.
- Home and village cleaning, clearing away the old year to make room for new blessings and good fortune.
- Acts of merit, donating to temples, and helping those in need.
- A deep connection to nature, as the festival aligns with seasonal rhythms and the hopes of new life and growth.
This time of year, reminds us of our deep connection and responsibility to our natural world and the importance of our work to protect the irreplaceable Annamite habitat.
Throughout the year we remain committed to saving the Saola and the many other species facing imminent global extinction. Thank you for your ongoing support.
Warm regards,
The Saola Foundation Team
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