The celebration of Lao New Year 2557 BE or Pi Mai Lao – the year of the horse in Vientiane Capital kicked off with a procession of Nang Sangkhane on 14 April that attracted Vientiane residents and foreigners.
The procession of “Nang Sangkhane” or Miss Lao New Year, which was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Somsavat Lengsavad and leading official of Vientiane Capital.
The procession of the seven Lao New Year beauties, imitated the traditional legend of Nang Sangkhane who were the daughters of Phagna Kabillaphom. The procession set off at at Vat Inpheng temple to Simueang temple along the Setthathirath road. The procession took the seven beauties to nine main temples in the centre of Vientiane City. These include Inpeng, Ong Tue, Haisok, Misay, Xieng Gnuene, Sisaket, Hor Phrakeo, Kao Gnord, and Simeuang.
At each temple at where they called, the seven beauties and followers attended a Buddhist service and poured aromatic water prepared from flowers on Buddha images taken out of the ordination halls of the temple for public watering on this special occasion.
This is the fifth time when Vientiane Capital decided to introduce the legendary procession of Nang Sangkhane. By tradition, this practice has been observed in Luang Prabang province and has become an attraction of the celebration. In recent years, the procession has been introduced to Pakse, the capital of the southernmost province of Champassak.
On 12 April, Vientiane Capital Administration organised beach sport events on the Done Chanh beach, Chanthaboury district and Sikhottabong district.
On 16 April morning, the Government leaders joined a Basi ceremony at Vat Ong Tue and capital residents joined the ritual of alms offering to monks in each temples to make merit during the new year, and sand stupa building on the Done Chanh beach was held on the last day of the celebration.
Source: KPL Lao News Agency, Vientiane Times
