The actual day falls on 4/14/2026 falls on a Tuesday, HOWEVER, the Boun Ceremony Event observed at the temple will be on Sunday 4/19/2026!
Devotees who have time and/or have this day off will come to give alms, listen to Dhamma sermons, & wash the Buddha statues.
Be MINDFUL to practice DAY 1 (Tuesday, April 14th 2026) of this list in your warm and comfy home!
For April 2026, it will begin the Buddhist Year 2569
How is Lao New Year Celebrated?
Tuesday April 14th 2026 is Last Day of Last Year (Observed).
Wednesday April 15th 2026 is Day of No Day (Observed).
Thrusday April 16th 2026 is Day of New Year (Observed).
Day one
For the Last Day of Last Year the old New Year, Statues of Buddha images are brought down from shrines and altars, to be cleaned with water (Hod Phra), and people throw water at each other (Hod Nam Lāngk), to 'wash away' any bad energies that was related to the past year.
Day two
The second day is known as the 'Day of No Day". This day falls in neither the old year or the new year.
The beginning of the day sees the monks and getting blessings by placing food donations into alms bowls at the main Anumodāna Sālā Hall. Then the laypersons will do other ceremonial actions such as placing flags in sand piles to signify who they'll be surrounded by in their next rebirth. Also washing the Buddha statues with blessed water.
“Water fights” can occur at any time! So enjoy the gesture of washing aways your previous year's misfortunes/karma.
Day three
The third day is known as The Day Of the new year.
The beginning of the day sees the monks and getting blessings by placing food donations into alms bowls at the main Anumodāna Sālā Hall. Then the laypersons will do other ceremonial actions such as placing flags in sand piles to signify who they'll be surrounded by in their next rebirth. Also washing the Buddha statues with blessed water.
“Water fights” can occur at any time! So enjoy the guesture of washing away your previous year's misfortunes/karma.
Lao New Year (Pi Mai Lao) 2569 Buddhist Era: Boun Hod Phra - The Festival of Bathing the Buddha
Sabaidee! In 2026, the traditional three-day festival begins on Tuesday, April 14 (the last day of the old year), continues through the "day of no day" on Wednesday, April 15, and formally arrives on Thursday, April 16.
While the holiday falls mid-week, our temple will host a meritorious observance and community celebration on Sunday, April 19, 2026. We invite you and your family to join us for a day of prayer, reflection, and the sacred tradition of bathing the Buddha statues.
Event Overview
Observed Celebration: Sunday, April 19, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Wat Lao Buddhovath of RI, 88 Limerock Rd, Smithfield, RI 02917
Temple Ceremony Schedule
Please observe the following schedule to ensure a respectful and meritorious environment:
09:30 AM | Food Offering Setup
10:30 AM | Ceremony & Chanting Begins: Includes Thuk Baht (Alms bowl offering).
11:15 AM | Dhamma Talk (Fung Tate): A Venerable monk discusses the meaning of the ceremony and reflects on the application of Buddhist teachings to daily life. Note: We kindly ask for silence and respect during this talk. Please show respect to the Venerable monk and keep conversations outside.
11:30 AM | Yaht Nahm (Libation/Pouring water for blessings): Final Chanting & Ceremony ends with the pouring of water while blessing.
11:45 AM | Monks’ Lunch: This is the monks' only major meal of the day. To show respect, please allow monks to finish their meal before lay people begin lunch. You are welcome to walk outside or visit the Buddha statue staging area during this time.
12:15 PM | Sae Sungk: Monks end their meal with a final blessing chant, and everyone is invited to have a community lunch together.
The Meaning of "Boun Hod Phra"
The ritual of "Bathing the Buddha" (Boun Hod Phra) is a deeply symbolic practice of reverence for who has helped us and raised us in righteous morality. It represents:
Purification & Renewal: Water symbolizes purity. Pouring it over the statues represents washing away the misfortunes, sins, and negativity of the past year to prepare for a fresh start.
Inner Cleansing: Beyond the physical statue, the act symbolizes cleaning one's own inner impurities such as greed, hatred, and ignorance and purifying the mind, body, and speech.
Merit-Making: This is a significant merit-making activity. By performing this act of devotion, we accumulate spiritual credit that leads to future happiness and enlightenment.
Auspiciousness: The ritual is believed to bring good luck, prosperity, and health. Sometimes, the "blessed" water that runs off the statues is collected to sprinkle on loved ones for protection.
Cultural Traditions of Respect
At the temple, the Buddha statues are brought down from their altars to be respectfully bathed with scented water. This tradition of washing extends beyond the Buddha statues and into our families and community as a sign of appreciation for those who have raised and guided us. After bathing the Buddha, it is common to pour water on the hands of elders to show respect and receive their blessings, a practice that eventually evolved into the famous public water fights associated with these holidays.
Honoring Parents: At home, children traditionally wash their parents’ feet as a sign of appreciation and respect for raising them.
Honoring Monks: At the temple, you may see laity wash the monks’ feet as a sign of respect. Depending on the weather and temperature, devotees may also pour water over the monks’ heads and robes (depending on weather and outdoor temperatures).
Honoring Elders: It is common to pour scented water over the hands of elders to show respect and receive their blessings, signifying a symbolic rebirth for the new year.
How to Participate in "Boun Hod Phra" at the Wat Lao Buddhovath
Scented Water: We provide water infused with flower petals (like jasmine) or traditional perfumes, representing purity and virtue.
The Bathing: Head to the outdoor Buddha statues area staging. Using a small bowl or ladle, gently pour a small amount of water into the water channel above the statues.
Reflection: As the water flows, take a moment to reflect on letting go of the old and welcoming the new year with a kind, clear mind.
We look forward to celebrating this auspicious New Year with you and your family!