Boun Pi Mai of Lao Students at ICTU
To create an exciting and joyful atmosphere for the students, officials and staffs of Vientiane-Hanoi Technical College who are learning and researching at the University, in the afternoon on 14th April 2014, Thai Nguyen University of Information and Communication Technology organized an exchange programs to celebrate Traditional Lao New Year, called Boun Pi Mai for Lao students who are studying at the University.
From ancient times , Lao people had the notion from one generation to another that only water can bring green for life, every year there are only two seasons in Laos, dry and rainy seasons . Each season is divided equally over 6 months. In the 6 -month dry season, it seems to have absorbed thirst for today it is catching the water. At the beginning of the year, people pray for each other by water and from water. According to the conception, water brings life and the water will wash away all the bad for everything to restore to life, and start everything with the clean, virginity.
Like the Lunar New Year in Vietnam, the traditional Boun Pi May of Laos takes place every year from 13th to 15th April with many rituals such as bathing Buddha, falling water custom, tie thread on wrist … it means that prays the rainy season to bring the life for the country, lush crops; every family welcome a lucky and happy new year.
At ICTU, the program was organized with the desire to create the conditions for international students, or Lao students who are living far from home, and there is no condition for them to visit their hometown in this occasion, still able to welcome traditional New Year. At the same time, tightening the close relationship and solidarity between the two nations, thereby helping to nurture, preserve the good relationship between the people of Vietnam – Laos “Forever green, eternal sustainability “.
At the meeting, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Viet Binh – Secretary of Party Committee, Rector, on behalf of the entire teaching staffs and students, congratulated New Year to all Lao students, staff’s who are studying and researching at ICTU. At the same time, he sent the New Year wishes with a good health, happiness, prosperity to all teaching staffs, students of Vientiane – Hanoi Technical College. After the exchange program, everybody joined in water festival together and tied thread on wrist in the jubilant and vibrant atmosphere.