Students pose for a group photo during the Songkran Festival celebration at Nantong Vocational University on April 17. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

To celebrate the traditional Lao New Year, Songkran Festival, and to bring a sense of festive warmth to Lao students, the School of International Cooperative Education at Nantong Vocational University organized a cultural experience event for the Lao water festival on April 17.

The event began with lively and engaging games that quickly set an upbeat tone. Activities such as musical chairs, passing the microphone, and word-making games were played in mixed teams of Chinese and international students, breaking down language and cultural barriers amid laughter and joy.

Students pose for a group photo during the Songkran Festival celebration at Nantong Vocational University on April 17. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Following the games, the main highlight of the event – the water-splashing blessing ceremony – officially commenced. Lao students, dressed in brightly colored traditional attire, used water basins and water guns to sprinkle water on teachers and classmates, conveying New Year blessings. The wetter they got, the more blessings they received.

"I never expected to celebrate the Songkran Festival with my classmates in China, and both the games and water-splashing were so much fun!" said a Lao international student. "Playing games and splashing water with Chinese classmates made me feel a sense of warmth, just like being back home."

Students pose for a group photo during the Songkran Festival celebration at Nantong Vocational University on April 17. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Songkran Festival is a significant cultural event in Laos, and this activity not only allowed international students to feel the caring nature of the school but also provided Chinese teachers and students with a close-up experience of the charm of Southeast Asian folk culture.