Foreign students from VVSU participated in the celebration of the Thai-Lao New Year, Songkran and Bun Pi Mai Lao, held at FEFU. This marked the third consecutive year of this tradition, which began in 2023 as a partnership between the two leading universities of the Russian Far East.
Victor Egupov, a leading specialist from VVSU's Department of Social and Cultural Adaptation, stated that the university gladly accepted the invitation from the Eastern Institute of FEFU. He noted that the Lao students had fond memories of past events and that this year they presented an expanded program. The students met their Russian peers studying Thai, actively participated in quizzes and contests about Thailand and Laos, and prepared gifts for their colleagues.
Diana Vladimirova, Head of the Department of Pacific Asian Studies at FEFU, and Antonina Golub, a senior lecturer, welcomed the guests and emphasized the importance of inter-university cooperation.
This year, 33 Lao students from various institutes at VVSU joined the event. The celebration was hosted by Russian students of Thai and international students from the partner university.
Viktor Egupov added that during the meeting, the universities discussed future cooperation, including organizing language practice for FEFU students, as well as teaching Lao folk dances and calligraphy. He stressed that it is important for foreign students to make friends with their Russian and international peers to broaden their horizons and feel at home during the holidays.
The main goal of the event was to introduce students to the traditions of the New Year in Laos and Thailand and to let them experience the cultural diversity and hospitality.
Panisa Kettavong, a student from VVSU's Institute of Tourism and Creative Industries, explained that historically, Songkran (Thai) or Bun Pi Mai Lao (Lao) is a Buddhist festival of purification and the change of seasons. It is traditionally celebrated with family and friends to mark a new beginning. She wished everyone good health and luck in the New Year.
Russian students prepared a presentation and a quiz about the history and traditions of the holiday. Somgsanit Thilalintkhon, a student from VVSU's Institute of International Business, Economics, and Management, described the main ritual—the water-pouring ceremony—as a sign of respect and a wish for good fortune. She also mentioned the festive fairs, concerts, beauty contests, colorful parades in national costumes, and floral processions where people offer fragrant flowers to Buddha statues.
Another tradition is the building of sand stupas in temple courtyards, decorated with flowers and ribbons.
Participants could make New Year's cards with wishes in Thai and Lao, learn elements of traditional dance, and take commemorative photos.
Sayaybutsi Bomani, a student from VVSU's Institute of Preparatory Studies for Foreign Citizens, concluded by congratulating everyone on Songkran and Bun Pi Mai Lao. She expressed her joy at celebrating together with Russian and foreign students and wished everyone health and happiness.