Lao New Year, also known as Pi Mai, is a traditional festival celebrated in Laos and by the Lao community worldwide. It usually takes place in mid-April and marks the beginning of the new year in the Lao lunar calendar. The festival lasts for three days and is a time for family gatherings, religious ceremonies, and cultural activities. During Pi Mai, people engage in various customs, such as pouring water over Buddha statues and each other as a symbol of purification and blessing. The celebration also includes traditional music, dance, and the preparation of special foods, making it a vibrant and joyful occasion for all.