Lao New Year, also known as Pi Mai, or Songkran, is a public holiday in Laos, and it begins April 13 or 14 each year. The holiday is the most important festival in Laos. The official festival lasts three days, although the celebration can last longer in towns like Luang Prabang.
The first day of the new year is last year's last day. In the temples, Buddha images are moved to a temporary place and washed with perfumed water. People then collect water that runs off the images and pours on family members. This is to clean and purify any bad before the New Year.
The second day of the new year is the "day of no day", a day that falls between the old year and the new year. People will clean houses on the second day. It is believed that taking a nap on this day will get sick in the coming year, so elders will advise young people to avoid taking naps.
The third day of the new year is the first day of the new year. Many families will practice the Baci ceremony at home and wish their families good health in the new year. People will move the Buddha images back to permanent locations in the temples.
The following is the list of Lao New Year from 2022 to 2026.
| Holiday | Date | Weekday |
|---|---|---|
| Lao New Year | Apr 14, 2022 | Thursday |
| Lao New Year | Apr 14, 2023 | Friday |
| Lao New Year | Apr 13, 2024 | Saturday |
| Lao New Year | Apr 13, 2025 | Sunday |
| Lao New Year | Apr 14, 2026 | Tuesday |
Please check more public holidays in Laos: