In Thua Thien – Hue, the pedagogical college in the province in collaboration with Hue University and the Vietnam-Lao Friendship Association held on April 10 a night gathering for more than 400 Lao students studying in the province.

The event featured traditional rituals including water splashing and Buddha statue bathing ceremonies, thread tying and prayers for good health, luck and success.

After the ceremony, Lao students and participants together performed the Lamvong traditional dance and enjoy traditional Lao costumes and cuisine.

Performing thread tying rite

Also on April 10, an afternoon art performance program and thread tying ceremony held at Ha Tinh University drew the participation of large numbers of Lao and Vietnamese students.

Art performance program at Ha Tinh University

Meanwhile, the northern province of Thai Nguyen also held a get-together to celebrate the Lao traditional New Year, which drew representatives from the Lao Embassy in Vietnam, local authorities and more than 250 Lao and Cambodia students in the locality.

Lao students in Thai Nguyen enjoy the traditional Bunpimay

The Bunpimay festival is observed from April 14-16 annually to pray for good weather, health, abundant harvests and prosperity.

This year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many Lao and Cambodian students are not able to return home for this special occasion. The programs held by the provincial authorities practically contributed to help Lao students enjoy their traditional festival in the host country of Vietnam.