The government of Laos has announced that two extra days will be included as holidays in addition to the official three days of holidays for Lao New Year (Pi Mai) this year.
According to a notice issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, April 17 and 18 have been declared official public holidays in lieu of the two days of Pi Mai which fall on a weekend (April 14 and 15).
This means that the Lao New Year holiday will be celebrated over five days, from April 14 to April 18.
The announcement urged members of the public to ensure safe and modest new year celebrations, while preserving Lao customs and traditions.
It also called upon various ministries and government departments to ensure that sufficient food and other goods would be available to the public for consumption during this time. Prices are also to be strictly monitored, ensuring that merchants do not raise prices to take advantage of consumers during the holiday period.
Safety was also a prime concern in the announcement, which assigned the Ministry of INformation, Culture and Tourism to raise awareness of traffic regulations and road safety.
The Lao New Year, or Pi Mai Lao, is one of the most important festivals in the Lao calendar. It is a time for cleansing and renewal, and also for celebration and togetherness.
Along with the traditional ritual of visiting temples to pour fragrant water over Buddha statues, towns and cities across the country come alive with street parties and water celebrations.
Source: Lao Post
Photo: Champa Meuanglao Magazine
