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| The program vividly reflecting the cultural and spiritual life of Lao people |
This is an annual external cultural activity held by Hue College, contributing to nurturing the special traditional friendships between Vietnam and Laos. It also offers Lao students the chance to celebrate their traditional New Year in a warm, welcoming atmosphere away from home, easing their nostalgia while strengthening their sense of belonging to their academic life in Hue.
Bunpimay Tet Festival 2026 featured a wide range of vibrant activities rich in Lao cultural identity. The program opened with a welcoming ceremony, where Lao students in traditional attire greeted the delegates and presented them with fresh floral garlands, symbolizing respect and hospitality.
This was followed by a music performance program staged by Lao students and local students of the college, vividly showcasing the cultural and spiritual life of the Lao people through music, dance, and the traditional Lamvong dance.
A highlight of the program was the Baci blessing ceremony (good-luck blessing ritual), a ritual of profound spiritual significance in Lao culture. Held in a solemn setting, white cotton strings were tied around participants’ wrists as blessings, symbolizing peace, good fortune, and community bonding. Beyond reflecting the beauty of traditional beliefs, the ritual was also reenacted to foster greater mutual understanding and respect among cultures.
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| The water-splashing ritual |
Bunpimay marks the transition to the New Year in the Buddhist calendar, embodying notions of purification, renewal, and new beginnings. On this occasion, Lao people traditionally perform the water-splashing ritual to offer wishes of good luck and peace, expressing hopes for a prosperous and happy year ahead. The re-enactment of these traditional rituals during the program is not only considered a way for Lao students to preserve their cultural identity but also serves to introduce and promote Lao culture to Vietnamese students and international friends.
On this occasion, Hue College presented awards to Lao students who achieved outstanding results in football and men’s and women’s volleyball competitions held from March 26 to April 7, 2026, recognizing their spirit of sportsmanship, unity, and commitment to physical training.
Over the years, Hue College has affirmed its role as one of the leading institutions in training and developing human resources for Laos. The college currently provides Vietnamese language training for hundreds of Lao students, while also offering living support and favorable conditions to help them study effectively and integrate into life in Vietnam.
In addition to prioritizing academic excellence, Hue College also pays close attention to the spiritual and social well-being of its Lao students through a variety of cultural, sports, and international exchange activities. Events such as the Bunpimay Festival not only offer an opportunity for Lao students to maintain and celebrate their cultural heritage, but also act as a vital platform for strengthening solidarity and friendship between Vietnamese and Lao students. In turn, these efforts contribute meaningfully to enhancing the comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos in education and training.