Laos Limits Water Throwing To Three Days Of New Year

[webfact]

Communist Laos limits water throwing to three days of New Year

VIENTIANE: -- Communist Laos restricted water-throwing to the three days of the traditional Laos New Year on April 13-15 and banned the use of coloured, dirty or iced water during the festival.

"Water throwing will only be permitted over the three days of the Lao New Year holiday between the hours of 9am to 6pm," Lao authorities told the state-owned Vientiane Times.

Authorities also banned the throwing of water containing dye, dirt and ice because they could cause injuries and traffic accidents.

Cambodia, Laos, Burma and Thailand all celebrate their traditional New Year April 13-15 in what is commonly called the water festival, harking back to the region’s Hindu heritage. In ancient times, the festival was marked by young people visiting their parents to receive blessing in the form of water poured on the hands held in prayer.

Among youngsters, the water festival was a time of courtship with playful water throwing between the sexes. Nowadays, especially in Thailand, where the holiday lasts four days, the water festival has become a time of water-gun and water-bucket battles in the streets of Bangkok. Some people also chuck bags of water containing ice and chalk.

-- The Nation 2012-03-28

[canopus1969]

How sensible !

[harrry]

Cut it down to one and they get 2 more visitors.

[Thanyaburi Mac]

Busy, and fun, times up there during Phi Mai Lao.

Mac

http://vientianetimes.org.la/FreeContent/FreeContent_Authorities.htm

Authorities announce Lao New Year activities in Vientiane

The authorities have announced the programme and venues for the Lao New Year celebrations in Vientiane from April 13-15, citing the need to ensure public security and social order in keeping with Lao custom.

The Nang Sangkhan beauty contest will be held on the That Luang esplanade on April 10-12 before the main procession on New Year's Eve, according to a notice issued by Vientiane Mayor Soukanh Mahalath.

That Luang esplanade will also be the site of a street fair, selling Lao goods produced in different regions of the country. Local businesses can reserve a pitch at the fair.

Meanwhile Lao-ITECC will host another trade fair exhibiting Lao products for sale, as well as goods from China, Vietnam and Thailand.

At Don Chan beach, authorities will organise sporting events. The public can also gather here to make sand stupas and cool off in the Mekong shallows.

The area from Vat Chan to That Khao village will be dedicated to water throwing, with people from other localities encouraged to gather here for the celebrations.

Water throwing will only be permitted over the three days of the Lao New Year holiday between the hours of 9am and 6pm.

Vientiane Police Traffic Advertisement Unit Head Major Bounmark Soundalay told Vientiane Times yesterday that Fa Ngum Road has been designated the site for New Year celebrations.

Setthathirath Road will be closed to traffic for a limited time to create a pedestrian zone and to ensure traditional water-throwing activities are carried out in safety.

The authorities have not yet discussed in detail which areas will be set aside for parking.

The notice says the authorities will promote road safety by seeking to ensure that motorists don't drink and drive.

The throwing of water containing coloured dye and dirt will be banned, as will the use of ice and water-filled plastic bags as missiles. The use of such items can cause injuries and traffic accidents.

The notice also prohibits the lighting of fireworks and street parties that hinder traffic flow. Each district is required to set up a committee to organise celebrations in such a way that safety, enjoyment and social order prevail.

Mr Soukanh called on households to celebrate the New Year thriftily so as to avoid eating into family finances.

Everyone should be on their guard against crimes such as house break-ins, as well as road accidents, larceny and property damage.

The mayor urged local residents to clean up public areas and ensure they are litter-free ahead of the event.

Lao New Year is a time when young people take the opportunity to show respect for their elders. Many people also take the opportunity to visit their hometowns and spend time with their relatives.

By Times Reporters

(Latest Update March 28, 2012)

[Jingthing]

Way to go, communists!

[lovelaos]

They make these announcements every year but they are largely ignored, unfortunately. I witnessed the police trying to clamp down on celebrations last year only to be surrounded by a quite angry crowd of partygoers, the police backed down.