(VLU, 13/4/2021) - On 11 April 2021, VLU’s Youth Union had organized the cultural exchange programs and Bunpimay celebration for Laos and Cambodian students at Van Lang University. The activity attracted the attention of many Vietnamese, Laos, and Cambodian students.
Amidst the Covid-19 pandemic situation, many international students could not enjoy their traditional new year with their families in their home country. To help encourage current Laos and Cambodian students at Van Lang University, the Cultural Exchanging Program in celebration of the 2021 traditional Laos and Cambodian new year had been organized for the first time at Van Lang University.
The activity aimed to strengthen the friendship and solidity among students of Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam.
Bunpimay is the traditional name for Laos New Year. The term means to bring enjoyable freshness and prosperity to every living thing. In Cambodia, Chol Chnam Thmay is also the major new year celebration in the country of temples and pagodas.
The Cultural Exchanging Program in celebration of 2021 Bunpimay for Laos and Cambodian students attracted the participation of the representatives of the Consulate General of Laos PDR, VLU’s administrators, faculties, and the students from Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia.
On behalf of VLU, Dr. Vo Van Tuan – Standing Vice President had gifted the Deputy Consul General Vanxay Xaysena with a colorful bouquet.
The event commenced with the singing acts performed by Laos and Vietnamese students. The event continued with the wrist string tying ritual to wish for prosperity, good luck, and love.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Thi My Dieu – VLU’s President tied wrist strings for Laos and Cambodian students.
The most anticipated part of the Bunpimay celebration was the Water Festival. On Bunpimay, Laos people usually splash water to one another to wish to wash away all the bad things and bring good luck and peace for the new year.
Laos students practiced the water splashing ritual.
Apart from the unique rituals, the students also experienced the characteristic cultures of the neighboring countries such as Laos traditional dance, Traditional outfit fashion show, exciting Vietnamese – Laos art performances, and cuisines.
Laos Sutmat and Vietnamese traditional Ao Dai fashion show.
Kong Than – Banana leaf tower decorated with colorful flowers and threads.
Vietnamese – Laos cuisine exchange activity during the Traditional New Year celebration
The students enjoyed their best in the Water Festival
The Cultural Exchange Program in celebration of the 2021 Laos and Cambodian traditional new year was a place to strengthen the friendship and solidity among Vietnamese, Laos, and Cambodian students. Through this activity, the University intended to provide VLU students with more cultural exchanging activities to learn new things from the international students and introduce Vietnamese culture to the world for general development.
Reporter: Mai Thy
PR Student of Course 23
Photo: Lee Minh Phuong
Translated by: Hoai An
