In the middle of the Truong Son mountains, thousands of people from border villages in Ka Lum district, Sekong province (Laos) crossed forest roads to Hung Son commune, Da Nang to celebrate Bunpimay Tet. The bustling atmosphere spread, connecting feelings on both sides of the border.
From early morning, groups of Lao people brought hometown gifts, dressed in beautiful clothes, excitedly came to A Tu 1 village, Hung Son commune, Da Nang. The geographical distance was shortened by closeness and intimacy. People see this as an opportunity to meet, share, and celebrate Tet together like in their hometown.
To prepare, the village Party Cell specifically assigns each task. Some go to the forest, some go down to the stream, contributing effort. Traditional dishes of the Co Tu people are carefully prepared. The atmosphere of welcoming Tet is warm and full of village and neighborhood affection.
The festival attracted a large number of people from both sides to participate. Folk games took place sôi nổi. Free haircuts, gift-giving, and cultural exchange activities created a joyful and cohesive atmosphere.
Mr. Savandi, along with dozens of households in A Buong village, Ka Lum district, Laos, arrived very early. In the flow of people from across the border, everyone was wearing the most beautiful clothes. Simple smiles just bloomed on their sunburned faces. Some people brought their whole families, holding their young children's hands. Mr. Savandi said that when he heard that Hung Son commune organized Bunpimay Tet, everyone in the village was excited and invited each other to walk over to celebrate together. "Every year when Bunpimay Tet comes, people in the village also look forward to it... Coming here, everyone is happy, very warm. This is our Tet, and Vietnamese friends organize it thoughtfully, just like your traditional Tet. Coming here to meet brothers, eat, drink, play, and celebrate Tet together... as happy as Tet at home" - he said.
The highlight is the meaningful Tet market. People receive practical necessities such as rice, food, clothes, and labor tools. Simple gifts but with profound sharing meaning.
Local authorities maintain support for people in border areas. Transit, goods exchange, and support when in difficulty are facilitated. This is the foundation for strengthening long-term close relationships.
The Border Guard force plays a connecting role, mobilizing resources to organize the program. The activities are not only culturally meaningful but also contribute to building a border of peace and friendship.
Colonel Hoang Van Man, Political Commissar of the Border Guard Command of Da Nang, said that from practical gifts, civil works, to cultural and sports activities... everything is directed towards the Lao people like their own relatives.
The purpose of the program is to help people have a truly joyful Tet. Second, especially to strengthen Vietnam-Laos solidarity between people on both sides of the border. During Lao Tet or Vietnamese Tet, we organize for people to participate together; Lao people enjoy the joy of organizing Vietnamese Tet, and Vietnamese people also enjoy the joy when Lao Tet comes. In recent years, the feelings between people on both sides of the border, border protection forces, and governments on both sides of the border have been very close, contributing to building a border of peace, friendship, and cooperation.
Mr. Quang Van Ngoc, Head of the Culture and Social Affairs Committee, Da Nang City People's Council, said that the organization of Bunpimay Tet this year has many new points, clearly showing the city's close attention to the border area and people on both sides of the border.
According to Mr. Ngoc, the solidarity between people on both sides of the border is long-standing, but this year - after arranging the 2-level government and merging the province, the scale of Bunpimay Tet has been increased both in scale and quality. People not only receive more in terms of material but also have more affection and sharing. Da Nang City also has conditions to organize Bunpimay Tet more and more largely, thoughtfully, and respectfully. Such activities will continue to be maintained, expanded, and go deeper, contributing to tightening the feelings between people on both sides of the border.
