Upcomming Event (Pimai Lao)
The Songkran Festival (Lao New Year's Day)

Boun Pimai or Boun Hothnam; traditional Laotian New Year, equalling Songkran in Thailand; the celebrations last for three days during which citizens douse each other liberally with water; exact date determined by the lunar calendar.  Since 1975 it has been fixed to 13-16 April. Boun Pimai is celebrated most festively in Luang Phabang. The Lao tradition of pouring water over Buddha statues in homes and temples beleived to bring them merit for the New Year, and then dousing grandparents in perfumed water to bring them good luck.

On this special day in the Laotians community here in Rhode Island and as well as in the New England region, the people go to the temple, give food to the monks, novices, and nuns.

Laotian females dressed in a traditional Lao dress - Sinhmaii and Phabieng across her shoulder, appeared at the temple for the Takbath, an alm-giving to the Buddha disciples. In her right arm, she carried a Kan (bowl) with cooked rice, bananas, oranges, Kaotom and Kaonom in it.

At the yard of the temple, with the mattress laid open, they sat down with folded legs (naang phab phiep) and looked at the far end of the temple where the monks were coming down that way. With the poised gait, the much-awaited monks finally appeared. They slowly filed slowly past a row of the alms-givers. Kneeling down, the beautifully adorned girl picked
up a handful of rice and bananas and respectfully placed them onto the Bath of the monks.

When the last monk filed past, the people put their two hands together and Nob in reverence. Then, they poured water from a small bottle down slowly - almost drop by drop (Yardnam).

At the temple, later that afternoon, most people gathered over there.  They came with perfumed water to Songpha (bathe Buddha statue) which the monks brought down from the pedestal.  In the evening, people walked around the temple in circle (Vienthien) with one hand holding a lighted candle.

The sprinkle drops of perfumed water on the statue of the Buddha, and on the monks and novices as a symbol of their respect.  The monks bless them in return.  The children give small presents to the parent and sprikle their palms with a few drops of perfumed water as a symbol of their love and respect, and their parents or elders will bless them in return.

During the same afternoon at home, Buddha images are bathed as part of the ceremony. Young people pour scented water into the hands of elders and parents as a mark of respect while seeking the blessing of the older people. In ancient days, old people
were actually given a bath and clothed in new apparel presented by the young folks as a token of respect for the New Year.

The year on April 12, the WatLao Buddhovath and the Lao Community of RI will host the first annual New Year's Event at the temple.

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