The people of Laos are unusual in that, although their year begins in January, they delay the celebrations until April. Known as Pimai, this is one of the most important festivals in Laos. Statues of Buddha are removed from the pagodas and ceremonially washed. Followers gather up the used washing water and take it home to pour on friends and relatives as an act of cleansing and purification before the New Year. This has developed into a general use of water at this time of year to soak friends, neighbours and any passers-by. Houses are cleaned, people dress in new clothes and offerings are made at alters throughout the country. Luang Prabang is well-known for its enthusiastic celebrations which include elephant processions and end with a beauty contest to choose Nang Sangkhan or Miss Pimai.

In mid-May a double festival is held. Boun Visakhabousa celebrates Buddha's birthday, enlightenment and death all of which apparently took place on the same date. At the same time is Boun Bangfai or the Rocket Festival. This is the beginning of the rainy season on which the farmers depend and traditionally Buddhist monks would fire rockets into the sky to encourage the gods to send rain to the rice fields. Today, it is a large boisterous festival with dancing and other entertainments cumulating in the firing of rockets. The festival is also celebrated in North Thailand and at the border on the Mekong River impromptu international competitions are often held to see which country can send up the highest and fastest rockets.

In February, in Champassak Province the residents celebrate Boun Wat Phu in the temple complex. This festival includes elephant races, water buffalo fighting and several traditional performances. Later, in March, is the national 3-day festival to commemorate the chastity of Prince Vessantara. During this festival monks recite tales and it is the customary time to ordain new monks.

An important festival in mid-July is Boun Khao Pansa, marking the equivalent of Lent for Buddhist monks who are supposed to retreat to their monasteries and fast and meditate. On the first day, hundreds of Buddhist believers, especially women arrive at the monasteries with silver bowls containing gifts and offerings for the monks. They also pour water on the ground for their ancestors. Later in the year, in August or September, is Khao Padabdin Festival, held in commemoration of dead ancestors.

At the end of Buon Khao Pansa, the Lao Lent, the Ok Pansa Festival starts at dawn with offerings to the monks. In the evening candle lit processions are held and hundreds of paper boats decorated with flowers, incense and candles are set adrift on the Mekong River to pay respect to the river spirit and drive away bad luck, bad deeds and disease. Next day, boat races are held on the Mekong River.

One of Laos' ethnic minorities, the Hmong who are related to China's Miao people, hold their New Year celebrations in November. Caled Nor Chai, this is celebrated with colourful displays of traditional costumes, traditional music on traditional instruments and traditional games such as cotton ball throwing and ox fighting. You can visit Indochina Odyssey Tours to get more information about Laos holidays and festivals.

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