Special features of Khau Ho Festival in Pa Xa, Laos

Khau Ho Festival, or simply New Rice Festival, is one of the forms of community cultural activities of the Lao people. Like many other ethnic groups, the Lao people believe that all things are spiritual. Each stream, each field, etc. has a spirit in charge. Since ancient times, the Lao people have often lived next to large streams, their living habits are closely linked to agriculture and fishing. Therefore, the New Rice Festival is an important agricultural ceremony, most clearly depicting the traditional customs and beliefs of the Lao people in community life.

The New Rice Festival is usually held on the full moon day of the 8th lunar month every year. To prepare for this important festival, each family member will be assigned to search for and prepare offerings for the offering tray. There are three types of offering trays: one in the house to invite parents and ancestors to celebrate the festival; one on the porch to invite the mountain god and the water god to attend; the other tray will be placed in the kitchen, where familiar, essential, and indispensable items in daily life are displayed.

The offerings on the offering tray are very diverse, such as: sticky rice, stream fish, pupae, earthworms, vegetables, etc. Most of them are ingredients collected and caught in the family's fields. Each family member will be assigned to prepare the offerings. When the offerings are ready, the homeowner lights candles, prays and invites parents, ancestors, and gods to witness, share joy, and celebrate Tet with the family and village.

In 2023, the Khau Ho Festival (New Rice Festival) in Pa Xa Lao will be celebrated for one day. This is not only an occasion to express gratitude to ancestors and gods who have blessed and protected the family and village, but also an occasion to pray for a year of favorable weather, prosperity of all things, and good health for people and all things.

Not only does it have special cultural and religious significance, the New Rice Festival is also an opportunity for relatives and friends to meet, exchange and learn business experiences over a new rice meal. Although it is only held within the family, the host always prepares food and drinks to invite guests, and everyone takes turns visiting and wishing each house in the village a happy new year. Inside the house and outside the alley, there is laughter and chatter, each word of good wishes after a cup of wine… Everyone is excited, looking forward to a bountiful harvest and a favorable year ahead.