From 13 to 16 April, 2021, Vietnam National University of Agriculture organized a traditional New Year celebration for Lao and Cambodian students living and studying at the university.
Participants of the celebration event included Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Viet Long, Vice Director of the International Cooperation Office, in charge of international students of the university; Assoc. Dr. Phan Xuan Hao, Vice Director of the Training Management Office; representatives of the Lao and Cambodian international students of some universities in Hanoi, and representatives of international student groups studying at the university.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Viet Long delivered a happy New Year speech and gave gifts to international students and research fellows living and studying at Vietnam National University of Agriculture, affirming the solidarity and strong friendship between the Vietnamese – Lao - Cambodian peoples; Besides, he also emphasized the position and role of the university in training Lao and Cambodia students and officials, as well as encouraged all overseas students to persistently make efforts to gain successes in studying and research at the university, contributing to the development of Laos and Cambodia. Sharing the joy with the traditional New Year of Lao and Cambodian students, the leaders of the Training Management Office and the delegates gave flowers and wished the students a happy new year.
The traditional Cambodian New Year, also known as Chol Chhnam Thmey Festival, is held on 13-16 April every year. This year, the festival was held on 13-16 April 2021. The first day of the Cambodian New Year is called Moha sang kran, the second day is called Vanabat, and the third day is named Longsac. On these days, people visit each other, wish each other luck, health, prosperity and participate in fun games together. It sometimes takes more than a week for Cambodian people to return to daily life.
The traditional New Year of the Lao people is Pi May, which takes place from 13-15 April every year. This is the New Year according to the Buddhist calendar because in Laos, Buddhism has long been the national religion. People throw water to pray for luck because they believe that the water will help wash away bad things, diseases and wish everyone a long and healthy life in the new year.
The customs on the traditional New Year of the Lao and Cambodian peoples represent coolness, prosperity to all things, happiness, purity of life, and this is an opportunity to nurture and cherish national culture.
Some photos of the New Year celebration for Lao and Cambodian students at Vietnam National University of Agriculture
