UEF celebrates traditional Bunpimay New Year with Laotian students through meaningful activities
APRIL 15 - The Department of Student Services, in collaboration with the Faculty of International Relations, hosted a Bunpimay New Year celebration for Laotian students studying at UEF in 2024, aiming to foster connections and enable students to experience their traditional New Year festivities while away from home in Vietnam.
Through a series of culturally immersive activities reflecting the rich heritage of Laos, the event provided UEFers with an opportunity to immerse themselves in and appreciate unique traditional customs, thereby broadening their understanding of many countries around the world.
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The gathering witnessed active participation and enthusiastic responses from students of both Vietnam and Laos
Among the attendees were Dr. Nhan Cam Tri, Vice President; ; Mr. Bui Quang Dong - Director, Department of Student Services; Mr. Nguyen Huynh Sinh, Deputy Director, Department of Student Services; and Ms. Nguyen Ngoc My Duyen, Vice Chairman, UEF Union of Students.
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Dr. Nhan Cam Tri extended his heartfelt New Year wishes to the Laotian students.
Kicking off the program, Dr. Nhan Cam Tri conveyed his warmest wishes to the Laotian students on the occasion of their traditional New Year. He expressed, "As a New Year's greeting, the Bunpimay celebration is an annual event organized by the university for Laotian students studying at UEF. It is hoped that through this bond and sharing, you will consider Vietnam as your second home and the professors and friends at UEF as your family, accompanying you on the journey to pursue your dreams. On this traditional Laotian New Year, I sincerely wish you abundant health, prosperity, and success in life."
On April 14, 15, 16 every year (Solar calendar), Bunpimay, the traditional New Year of the Laotian people, is celebrated with various activities and meaningful rituals. Among them, the tradition of tying the wrist thread is one of the indispensable customs associated with this special occasion.
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The ritual of tying the wrist thread to pray for peace and good fortune was vividly reenacted at UEF
At the event, Laotian students participated in recreating this interesting ritual. Each colored thread was carefully tied by hand, symbolizing wishes for health and peace that the students wanted to convey to the community of Vietnamese lecturers and students. This simple yet meaningful custom reflects the gentle nature of the Laotian people, who are always ready to pray for others. Throughout the New Year celebration, those who receive many wrist threads tied are considered to be destined for luck throughout the year.
In response to this gesture, Vietnamese students also actively practiced and exchanged New Year greetings in Lao language.
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Members of the UEF community eagerly performed the Lamvong dance
One of the indispensable highlights of the program was the Lamvong dance activity, a traditional dance of Laos. Here, lecturers and students from both countries set aside all differences in geographical distance, culture, or language to harmonize with the music and graceful dance movements. It is believed that the genuine smiles, the gleam of happiness in the eyes, and the warm embraces shared will become cherished memories for each student. These sweet "remnants” have made the Bunpimay traditional New Year celebration at UEF more special than ever before.
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UEF representatives presented Tet gifts to Laotian students in place of words of encouragement and support.
In addition to organizing various engaging activities deeply rooted in Laotian culture, the university also presented numerous Tet gifts to the students during the event. This gesture holds great spiritual significance as it represents the sincerest New Year wishes from UEF, serving as a source of motivation to help students stand firm on their paths towards pursuing their passions.
Through these traditional Bunpimay festivities, the university has demonstrated a profound concern for the spiritual well-being of its students. It is hoped that with this meaningful encouragement, Laotian students will find more motivation to develop themselves comprehensively, focus on their studies, and successfully achieve their goals.
Anh Thy
Photo: Nguyên Võ
