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Songkran in luang prabang : Splashing, spirituality and togetherness mark the turn of the Laotian year

  • Issue : April / May 2018
  • by
Songkran in luang prabang
Similar to a few countries in Southeast Asia along the Mekhong River, Songkran festival marks the new year, a new beginning and a big cleanse – physically and spiritually – to rid one’s body and mind of impurities and worries. Every year, from April 14-16, Laotians celebrate a journey into the new.
Similar to a few countries in So...
Similar to a few countries in Southeast Asia along the Mekhong River, Songkran festival marks the new year, a new beginning and a big cleanse – physically and spiritually – to rid one’s body and mind of impurities and worries. Every year, from April 14-16, Laotians celebrate a journey into the new.
Similar to a few countries in So...
Similar to a few countries in Southeast Asia along the Mekhong River, Songkran festival marks the new year, a new beginning and a big cleanse – physically and spiritually – to rid one’s body and mind of impurities and worries. Every year, from April 14-16, Laotians celebrate a journey into the new.
Similar to a few countries in So...
The first day of festivities, called Wan Sangkarn Luang, marks the “crossing over” from the old year to the new. Family members come together to engage in a big cleanse of their houses and surrounding areas and set off to markets to buy food and supplies, preparing for the family reunions and celebr
The first day of festivities, ca...
The first day of festivities, called Wan Sangkarn Luang, marks the “crossing over” from the old year to the new. Family members come together to engage in a big cleanse of their houses and surrounding areas and set off to markets to buy food and supplies, preparing for the family reunions and celebr
The first day of festivities, ca...
The first day of festivities, called Wan Sangkarn Luang, marks the “crossing over” from the old year to the new. Family members come together to engage in a big cleanse of their houses and surrounding areas and set off to markets to buy food and supplies, preparing for the family reunions and celebr
The first day of festivities, ca...
The first day of festivities, called Wan Sangkarn Luang, marks the “crossing over” from the old year to the new. Family members come together to engage in a big cleanse of their houses and surrounding areas and set off to markets to buy food and supplies, preparing for the family reunions and celebr
The first day of festivities, ca...
The following day, Wan Nao, signifies the metaphorical act of “moving forward”. Villagers flock the streets and form a celebratory parade to honour the gods and goddesses of prosperity and good fortune. The citizens play music and dance to please the higher spirits and ask for better yields from the
The following day, Wan Nao, sign...
The following day, Wan Nao, signifies the metaphorical act of “moving forward”. Villagers flock the streets and form a celebratory parade to honour the gods and goddesses of prosperity and good fortune. The citizens play music and dance to please the higher spirits and ask for better yields from the
The following day, Wan Nao, sign...
The following day, Wan Nao, signifies the metaphorical act of “moving forward”. Villagers flock the streets and form a celebratory parade to honour the gods and goddesses of prosperity and good fortune. The citizens play music and dance to please the higher spirits and ask for better yields from the
The following day, Wan Nao, sign...
The following day, Wan Nao, signifies the metaphorical act of “moving forward”. Villagers flock the streets and form a celebratory parade to honour the gods and goddesses of prosperity and good fortune. The citizens play music and dance to please the higher spirits and ask for better yields from the
The following day, Wan Nao, sign...
The third day, Wan Sangkarn Kuen, is New Year’s Day. Laotians rise early on this day, cook sticky rice and trek up Wat Phu Si, located on the hill in the middle of town, to give rice and other offerings to wandering spirits and Buddhist monks. More parades and processions follow in the afternoon, an
The third day, Wan Sangkarn Kuen...
The third day, Wan Sangkarn Kuen, is New Year’s Day. Laotians rise early on this day, cook sticky rice and trek up Wat Phu Si, located on the hill in the middle of town, to give rice and other offerings to wandering spirits and Buddhist monks. More parades and processions follow in the afternoon, an
The third day, Wan Sangkarn Kuen...
The last day of Songkran festival is when the townspeople have a rare chance to bathe Laung Prabang’s most sacred and respect Buddha image, Phra Bang. Usually in the museum in the Royal Palace, Phra Bang is moved to Wat Suwannaphumaham for three days and three nights.
The last day of Songkran festiva...
The last day of Songkran festival is when the townspeople have a rare chance to bathe Laung Prabang’s most sacred and respect Buddha image, Phra Bang. Usually in the museum in the Royal Palace, Phra Bang is moved to Wat Suwannaphumaham for three days and three nights.
The last day of Songkran festiva...
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