On April 19, the Laos’ Water Splashing Festival was held at the Sports Stadium of SUSE in Yibin campus of SUSE. Students and faculty from both China and abroad gathered to witness this traditional festival with exotic charm.

The Water Splashing Festival is one of the most important traditional holidays in Laos. It, symbolizing the end of the old year and the beginning of the new one, is considered as the New Year of the Laos and the grandest and most joyful celebration for the people of Laos. Therefore, its importance in the eyes of the people of Laos equals   to the Spring Festival of Chinese people.

The event was chock-full of a joyful and peaceful holiday atmosphere. To begin with, Lao students offered their sincere New Year blessings to their teachers and tied them with prayer strings symbolizing good health and prosperity, expressing their gratitude and respect. Then, the activities of water splashing and powder smearing, the traditional customs of the Water Splashing Festival, embarked on. All participants splashed water on each other to send blessings, which symbolize the getting rid of misfortunes in the past year and welcome new luck in the next year.

Several fun games were held in the event. The popular game of “Blowing Powder, Finding Candy”, for example, saw enthusiastic participation from both Chinese and international students. The entire playground was filled with laughter and applause as students and teachers bonded through the games, strengthening their understanding and friendship. The event left participants with many warm and unforgettable memories.

The event not only showcased the positive spirit of international students from Laos but also provided a valuable platform to learn about Southeast Asian culture for all students and faculty in SUSE. The diversity and inclusiveness of cultures was deeply felt through this immersive experience and the friendship and cultural exchange between Chinese students and students from Laos was further strengthened

The Academy for International Collaboration and Exchange (International Education College) supports and encourages international students to organize various cultural activities to promote mutual understanding between Chinese and foreign cultures, creating an open, inclusive, and welcoming international campus atmosphere.