Laos' traditional Bunpimay Tet this year takes place from the 14th to the 16th. 4. This is an important occasion for Lao people to welcome the New Year with many traditional rituals that carry the meaning of praying for peace and luck.
During the Bunpimay traditional Tet holiday, Lao people organize many unique cultural and spiritual activities lasting for the first 3 days of the year.
On the first day of the year, Lao people often come to wish Tet to grandparents and relatives, performing the ritual of tying wrist strings to pray for blessings.
On the second day, families go to the pagoda to perform the Buddha statue bathing ceremony and pour water to bless.
The last day is for fun and giao lưu activities at the beginning of the year. According to the concept, pouring water helps wash away bad luck, bringing health and happiness.
Despite celebrating Tet away from home, more than 1,000 Lao students in Son La are still given conditions to organize the traditional Bunpimay Tet imbued with national identity. The atmosphere of preparation at schools becomes bustling and warm with many cultural and artistic activities imbued with the breath of homeland.
At Son La College, more than 410 Lao students actively practice traditional dance and singing performances to prepare for the festival. The dormitory these days is even more vibrant with vibrant music, laughter mixed with excitement. Traditional costumes are meticulously prepared, each dance and song is meticulously polished, not only for performance but also as a way for young people to preserve and spread national culture in a foreign land.
Not only is it a fun occasion, the Bunpimay traditional Tet also helps international students reduce homesickness, connect the community and feel more clearly the care and sharing from teachers and friends in Vietnam.
Student Xay Sen Kham Phut, Vietnamese class K24A, shared: "Being organized by the school to celebrate Tet fully with rituals like in the countryside makes us very touched, relieving homesickness. Vietnamese friends also send congratulations, creating more joy for us".
During the school year, the school also regularly organizes cultural and sports exchanges between Lao and Vietnamese students. Especially on major holidays such as Bunpimay or Lao National Day, many meaningful activities are implemented, contributing to strengthening solidarity and friendship.
At Northwest University, more than 350 Lao students are also excited to welcome Tet. This year's program has the participation of the Provincial Youth Union, To Hieu ward, and organizations and individuals to congratulate and give gifts.
Dr. Nguyen Van Dinh - Principal of the school - said: "The traditional Bunpimay Tet is of special significance to Lao students. The school always creates conditions for them to celebrate Tet fully, warmly, and preserve national cultural identity.
At this time, at Son La Medical College, 256 Lao students are also participating in volleyball, tug of war, sepak takraw, and cultural exchange activities. Many good matches and beautiful balls have attracted Vietnamese students to cheer enthusiastically.
On the main day of the festival, students from the two countries will perform traditional costumes, participate in "lam vong" dance, tie wrist ties, and pour water for good luck. The atmosphere of solidarity and affection spreads throughout the campuses of the schools.
In Lo Kham Phet Da Van, class of Pharmacy K13D, shared: "The school's concern helps us feel warm as at home, and at the same time increases the Vietnam - Laos friendship and solidarity.
Although unable to reunite with their families, more than 1,000 Lao students in Son La still celebrated the Bunpimay Tet in a joyful, warm atmosphere, full of homeland love.
The concern and creation of conditions by local authorities and schools, along with the sharing from Vietnamese friends, not only helps international students reduce homesickness, but also adds motivation to study, leaving beautiful and unforgettable memories during their time studying far from home.
