06/02/2025
Over the years, we have been blessed to witness the incredible growth of our Lao New Year festival. It brings us so much joy to see not only our Lao community come together, but also to welcome guests from all backgrounds who want to experience and learn about our culture. Sharing our traditions with others is powerful—it helps preserve our identity, builds pride among our youth, and creates a stronger, more connected community.
A tremendous amount of time, hard work, and financial resources go into planning this celebration each year. Volunteers dedicate countless hours, and our temple community makes many sacrifices to ensure that the event is joyful, welcoming, and—most importantly—safe for everyone.
You may have noticed that security was stricter this year. That’s because the event, while held on temple property, is organized in a space that is separate from religious activities, and we are committed to keeping it family-friendly, respectful, and well-managed.
We truly want everyone to have fun, enjoy the music, food, and festivities—but we ask that all attendees be more mindful of their actions and respect the rules we have in place. These guidelines are not meant to limit the fun, but to protect the event and ensure that everyone—especially families, elders, and children—has a safe and positive experience.
As we celebrate, we also encourage everyone to remember the true meaning of Lao New Year—Pi Mai Lao—a time of renewal, reflection, and reconnection. Traditionally, this holiday marks the end of the old year and the beginning of a new one. Through water blessings, prayer, gratitude, and gathering with loved ones, we honor our ancestors, celebrate our culture, and embrace the values that define us: gratitude, unity, humility, and compassion.
Lao New Year is not just a party—it is a cultural cornerstone. Let’s celebrate with pride, respect, and shared responsibility—so that the spirit of this festival can continue to grow for generations to come.
With gratitude and respect,
Wat Lao Buddharam
Credit: photographer Mr Boun Vong
https://www.b-vong.com/journal/lao-new-year-2025-tn-photos-set-2/
