Songkran 2551 B.E.

Songkran of 2551 B.E. will be a special event and the biggest celebration for the Laotian Community in Northeast area. This is the ninth year that the celebration will be jointly organized by four Laotian organizations, namely: The Watlao Buddhovath of RI, the Lao Association(s) from Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island and the Laotian community center.

The significance of this combined effort of various organizations is that we Laotians share the same culture and heritage and strive to achieve the common goal of their preservation. It is important that we uphold our cultural identity if we are to survive as an ethnic minority in the new land or we will face the unthinkable extinction of our ethnic roots]. This celebration will make us proud of our ancient and distinct culture.

Saturday, April 26, 2008
9:00 am-1:00 pm- Religious Ceremony
9:00 am-10:30 am- Offering Alms
10:30-12:00- Food Offering
1:00 pm-3:30 pm- Songkran’s Queen Contestant/ Lao New Year Queen Contestant
2:00 pm- Traditional Dance by Nangkeo Dance Troupe of LCC and Natasin
1:00-6:00 pm- Culture Activities and Entertainment

Sunday, April 27, 2008
9:00 am-1:00 pm- Religious Ceremony
9:00 am-10:30 am- Offering Alms (Most important day for Dak Bhat or Offering Alms)
10:30-12:00- Food Offering
1:00-1:20 pm- Cultural Performing by LCC Nangkeo Dance Troupe
1:00 pm-2:00 pm- Nang Songkran’s Queen Parade/ Lao New Year Pageant Parade
2:00 pm-3:30 pm- Culture Rites/ Ceremony: Sand Mount Blessing, Water Offering & Blessing, Animal Release Blessing and Baci Sukaw Blessing.
1:00-6:00 pm- Culture Activities and Entertainment