VIENTIANE, April 14 (Xinhua) -- The Lao New Year began with cherished traditions and heartfelt reunions as families and friends came together to celebrate with joy, embracing precious moments with loved ones and taking pride in preserving the rich heritage of the festival.

The Lao New Year is the most important festival in the Lao calendar. This year's holiday will be observed from Monday to Wednesday.

The festival is also synonymous with family reunions, as they make long journeys to return home and share meals, laughter, and precious moments with loved ones.

A 20-year-old student, who has been studying abroad, returned to her hometown in Savannakhet province to celebrate the new year with her family. She expressed to Xinhua her immense happiness about reuniting with her loved ones after being away for her studies.

"Family gatherings, traditional meals, and the water-pouring ceremony are some of the most anticipated activities of the year that I look forward to," she added.

"For me, the Lao New Year is a time to reconnect with family and a reminder to start fresh. It also reminds me of the beauty of Lao culture, and I am happy to see younger generations actively participating in traditional activities, hoping they will continue these customs and pass them on to future generations," said Sompasong, a Vientiane resident.

The Lao New Year is a time of joy, with a festive atmosphere everywhere as both kids and adults engage in playful water fights. At the same time, traditions are preserved, such as pouring water over elders for blessings and good wishes, visiting temples to welcome good fortune, and immersing oneself in the beauty of Laos' rich culture.

"The most exciting part of the festival is probably the water fights! It's a fun tradition where everyone, young and old, gets involved. We throw water at each other in the streets, smiling and enjoying the fun. But we never forget to show respect when pouring water over our elders or bathing the Buddha," Nokkeo, a 29-year-old vendor, told Xinhua.

The Lao government has issued guidelines for the 2025 Lao New Year celebrations, highlighting the importance of cultural preservation and safety throughout the festivities. The government encouraged all celebrations in the country to follow traditional practices. Enditem

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