International students create a splash on their new year

MYSORE: International students from Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Myanmar studying in the University of Mysore celebrated their New Year in the city.
Buddhist students from these countries celebrated the New Year in a traditional way at the Thai Association in Bogadi. Though from different countries with different languages, cultures, ethnic backgrounds and political ideologies, the celebration of New Year was a celebration of friendship.
There are about 25 students from the four countries studying at UoM and they were joined by students from other countries too. Sothea Sam, a first year MSW student from Cambodia, said: "For us, the New Year normally falls on April 13 and celebrations continue are held for three days. We mark the New Year with purification ceremonies, visits to temples and playing traditional games, each with their own significance."
The three-day celebrations are -- Moha Songkran (welcoming new angels), Vanabot (remembering elders), Thgnai Loeung Sak (Buddha's statues are bathed).
But the students celebrated it on a single day due to time constraint. Celebrations included offering food to Buddhist monks, bathing of Buddha's statue and pouring water on each other. Songkran known as 'water festival' is believed to wash away bad luck. Back home, the entire day is spent liberally splashing water on each other. "Usually we mix chalk powder with water and play. But here, we mixed holi," Sam added.
The New Year marks the end of the traditional harvest season for farmers. Benjamin Wyambo from Namibia said: "I was part of the festival though I'm from Kenya. This was different and exciting".