Friendship gathering celebrates Lao traditional festival hinh anh 1At the gathering (Source: baothainguyen.org.vn)
 
Thai Nguyen (VNA) - The Vietnam-Laos Friendship Association of northern Thai Nguyen province on April 9 hosted a celebration of the traditional New Year Festival of Laos – Bunpimay – for Lao students in the province.

The event, held at the Thai Nguyen College of Economics and Finance, saw the participation of representatives of the Lao Embassy in Vietnam, local officials and many Lao and Cambodian students studying in the province.

It aims to foster exchange between the foreign students and local peers, and encourage them to explore cultural characteristics of Vietnam and Laos. The event also featured various art performances of the students, including traditional dance of Lao people.

Bunpimay festival is observed on April 13-16 annually to pray for good weather, health, abundant harvests and prosperity.

The number of Lao student in Thai Nguyen has increased over the years. Currently, nearly 2,000 Lao students are studying at 13 high schools, colleges and universities in Thai Nguyen province, compared to only 27 in 2008-2009.-VNA
VNA