Lao New Year 2025: Boun Lao Pimay or Pi Mai Lao – Buddhist Rituals and Water Fights

Lao New Year, known as Boun Lao Pimay or Lao Pi Mai, is a major Buddhist festival celebrated across Laos every April. It features traditional rituals, family ceremonies, and the famous water battles, welcoming the Lao lunar new year with joy and blessings.

Origins of Lao New Year – Boun Lao Pimay

Every April, Laos celebrates the Lao New Year festival with devotion and excitement. Called Boun Lao Pimay or Pi Mai Lao, this cultural event marks the transition into a new lunar year. For several days, streets come alive with music, water fights, and Buddhist rituals. For locals and travelers alike, it’s an unmissable celebration of Lao culture.

The roots of Boun Lao Pimay date back to the ancient Kingdom of Lane Xang, which spanned parts of present-day Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam. Legend attributes the festival’s origin to King Fa Ngum, founder of the Lane Xang kingdom in the 14th century. Originally tied to the start of the planting season, this explains why it’s sometimes referred to as the Festival of the Furrow.

When is Lao New Year in 2025?

The Lao New Year marks the start of the Lao lunar calendar. Since it follows lunar phases rather than the Gregorian calendar, the dates shift each year. Typically, Boun Lao Pimay takes place around April 13–15, with regional and local variations. Like Songkran in Thailand and Chaul Chnam Thmey in Cambodia, this New Year festival signals the end of the dry season.

The celebration usually lasts three days, filled with family traditions, religious rituals, and lively street parties.

Buddhist Rituals During Boun Lao Pimay

Buddhist practices play a central role in Lao New Year celebrations. Families visit temples to offer food and flowers to monks, seeking blessings for the year ahead. Temples echo with prayers and chants throughout the festival.

One important ritual involves pouring water on Buddha statues, symbolizing respect, purification, and good fortune. In Buddhist belief, water washes away negativity and brings renewal, both physically and spiritually.

Family Traditions During Pi Mai Lao

Family is at the heart of Boun Lao Pimay. A key tradition is pouring scented water over the hands and feet of elders to wish them health and long life. This ritual, called tam ngeuak, is an expression of respect and gratitude.

Many dress in traditional Lao outfits and gather for shared meals featuring Lao cuisine. These customs reflect the strong emphasis on family bonds and cultural pride during Lao New Year.

Water Fights – The Joyful Side of Lao New Year

Boun Lao Pimay is also famous for its water fights, similar to those during Songkran in Thailand or Chaul Chnam Thmey in Cambodia. These joyful battles, often in the streets, are a playful way to wash away bad luck and welcome the new year.

The festival also includes traditional boat races, beauty contests, and folk dances, especially in cities like Vientiane and Luang Prabang, which attract many visitors during this time.

Travel Tips for Celebrating Lao New Year 2025

If you’re planning to visit Laos in April, get ready to get soaked! Wear light, quick-dry clothes, and protect your electronics. Book your accommodations in advance, especially in Luang Prabang and Vientiane, as these cities are popular during Pi Mai.

Don’t hesitate to join locals in the temples or on the streets—Lao New Year is a welcoming, festive, and cultural highlight of any trip to Laos.

FAQ – Lao New Year

What is Boun Lao Pimay?

It’s the traditional Lao New Year festival, marked by Buddhist rituals, family gatherings, and joyful street celebrations.

When is Lao New Year in 2025?

Lao New Year will be celebrated from April 14 to April 16, 2025.

Is Lao Pi Mai similar to Thailand’s Songkran?

Yes, both festivals share traditions like water fights and purification rituals, rooted in Buddhist and seasonal symbolism.