Traditional New Year celebrations in Southeast Asian countries
People across Laos, Cambodia, Thailand and Myanmar are eager to herald their traditional New Year festivals according to the Buddhist calendar.
Meanwhile, Cambodians decorate their homes to welcome the Chol Chnam Thmay festival, a golden occasion for family gatherings. They also offer rice to Buddhist monks, build sand mountains to erase sins, and organise Buddha bathing ceremonies and folk games.
During the Thingyan celebration, people in Myanmar hold a number of activities such as bathing the Buddha at home, worshipping the Buddha, offering rice to Buddhist monks, splashing water and dancing.