April N3 - Thai, Lao, & Cambodian New Year (Network and Nourish)

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Join NAAAP Atlanta at Snackboxe Bistro for some delicious, authentic Laos cuisine on Saturday, April 20th, 2024 at 12:30 PM! Mix and mingle with new and old friends and learn about traditions and ways to celebrate the upcoming new year holiday in Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia. We will also get a chance to meet and hear from Thip, owner of Snackboxe Bistro about the history of the restaurant and their new year celebration. We hope you join us for an exciting lunch of networking and nourishment! Your ticket purchase covers appetizers, one entree, and non-alcoholic beverages. Tickets are limited, reserve your spot now!

About the New Year holidays:

• Songkran (April 13-15) - Thailand - Songkran is Thailand’s most famous festival. An important event on the Buddhist calendar, this water festival marks the beginning of the traditional Thai New Year. The name Songkran comes from a Sanskrit word meaning ‘passing’ or ‘approaching’. Water is an important element of Songkran, especially in more recent times when the throwing of water has become a huge part of the annual celebrations. Appreciation of family is another important aspect of the festival, with many Thai people making their way to their hometowns to spend time with older relatives. Buddhists also visit temples throughout Songkran where water is poured on Buddha images and on the hands of Buddhist monks as a mark of respect.
• Pi Mai (April 14-16) - Laos - The first day is one of cleansing when all houses and temples are cleaned and repainted. During this time young people pour water on the hands of the elders and ask for a blessing. Hence comes one of its names—Laos Water Festival. Many families also head to Buddhist temples to pray. The second day is for relaxation, and the third day is the real celebration usually accompanied by eating street food. Every region has its ​unique customs but Luang Prabang has particularly rich celebrations. People come to see sand stupas on the banks of the Mekong river, the Prabang procession, beauty contests, and authentic music and dance concerts. Another popular location to experience this celebration is the Lao capital—Vientiane. Food plays a huge role in Lao New Year. At the temple, monks eat first and foremost after every baci ceremony. Then the rest of the community can eat.
• Khmer New Year (April 14-16) - Cambodia - Cambodian New Year is the celebration of the solar new year and the biggest celebration of the year in Cambodia. Similar to other New Year festivities in Asian cultures, it combines tradition with religion, and puts a big focus on honoring ancestors and elders. While there are parties with lots of traditional foods and drinks, the three days are filled with Buddhist ceremonies that center on giving thanks, making offerings to deceased loved ones, and donating to those less fortunate. While there are solemn aspects to Khmer New Year, more than anything it’s a celebration of life, family, food, and tradition. In the capital of Cambodia, Phnom Penh, the last day of the New Year is filled with horse races, fireworks, boxing matches, and partying in the streets. Each part of the country puts their own spin on the holiday, as do Khmer expats all over the world, making every celebration unique in its own way.

Sources:

https://www.hostelworld.com/blog/songkran-everything-you-need-to-know/

https://rove.me/to/laos/pi-mai-lao-or-lao-new-year

https://thenewprimal.com/blogs/blog/the-traditions-of-lao-new-year-1

Host or Publisher NAAAP Atlanta