The event started with artistic performances with unique songs and dances of national cultural identity that praise the traditional friendship and special solidarity between Vietnam and Laos. Then, the representative of the Laotian students introduced the traditions of the Bunpimay of Lao people. In the New Year festival of Laos, there are many activities such as splashing water, building sand towers, picking fresh flowers, tying strings around people's wrists, releasing animals, etc. During this occasion, they sprinkle water on Buddha statues, monks, pagodas, and trees around the temples. They also splash water on their houses, worshiping items, animals, tools, and people around them. Laotian people believe that water will wash away unhappiness, disease and bring good luck and happiness in the new year. For the Laotian, the tradition of the Bunpimay festival means bringing coolness, prosperity to everything and warm happiness for life.
At the ceremony, Mr. Dinh Anh Tuan, Vice Rector of Quy Nhon University sent his New Year greetings to the Laotian students; hoped that the Laotian students would always strive to study, achieve high results to serve the country's development in the future and would be an effective bridge in strengthening and developing the special Vietnam - Laos relationship. On behalf of the Laotian students, Soulisak, head of the Board expressed his deep gratitude to the leaders of Binh Dinh province, the provincial agencies, departments, leaders, lecturers and staff of the university for the favourable conditions for them during their time of study at the university. He also promised to try his best to study to build a prosperous Laos, contributing to consolidation of the special Vietnam-Laos relationship.
The activities on the occasion of the Bunpimay Festival have contributed to the strengthening of the friendship and solidarity between the two countries in general, Binh Dinh province and the Southern provinces of Laos in particular.
Author: Ly Da