Attending the ceremony were around 200 representatives from HAUFO; Hanoi related agencies; Friendship organizations of Vietnam with India, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Sri Lanka; as well as other faces from Business community, embassies… in Hanoi
On behalf of Hanoi leaders and people, Chairwoman of HAUFO Nguyen Lan Huong with ardent and warm attitude, wished all the attendants a happy and thriving new year. She hopes with honest sharing and peaceful people-to-people diplomatic activities of HAUFO, mutual understanding as well as relationship between Vietnam, Hanoi - the capital with other countries, cities would be closer, tighter.  

Art performance at the ceremony.

Vietnam traditional songs and dances also brightened the ceremony

Mrs Nguyen Lan Huong - Chairwoman of HAUFO spoke at the ceremony.

Buddha bathing ceremony started.

Representing for oversea friends, Laos Ambassador to Vietnam Thongsavanh Phomvihane thanked HAUFO for the meaningful activity, contributing to enhance friendship among regional nations. On this occasion, Ambassador Thongsavanh Phomvihane introduced Bunpimay – New Year festival of Laos. The splashing of water is the highlight of Bunpimay celebration in Laos. Lao people believe that water will wipe out bad things and diseases while bringing in a clean and healthy new year. Other activities include Buddha bathing, Buddha offerings and many art performances.
Slices of this stunning ceremony are in the video below:
In intimate atmosphere, after traditional customs such as: water splashing for luck, Buddha bathing and string tying ceremony; all the attendants were involved in special art performance of Vietnamese artists, embassy officers and oversea students.