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Vientiane, April 10 (IANS) Laos is gearing up for the 2026 Lao New Year celebrations, with preparations underway across the country to ensure a joyful, safe, and culturally meaningful festival.

The Lao New Year is the most important festival in the Lao calendar. This year's holiday will be observed from April 14 to 16.

Authorities have introduced a wide range of measures aimed at maintaining public order, preserving traditions, and enhancing safety during the holiday period, Xinhua News Agency reported.

A notice issued on Tuesday outlined restrictions on noise levels, requiring the controlled use of sound equipment to avoid disturbing local communities. Controls have also been tightened on fireworks, including rockets and sky lanterns, while stricter guidelines have been introduced to reduce risks during the celebrations.

Road safety remains a key priority, as travel typically increases during the holiday. The Lao Ministry of Public Security has announced the deployment of additional traffic police at key locations, along with stricter enforcement of traffic regulations to reduce accidents and ensure safe travel for the public.

The government is also encouraging more modest celebrations, urging the public to limit unnecessary travel and consider using electric vehicles to conserve fuel amid ongoing global economic and energy challenges. Authorities have been instructed to ensure sufficient supplies of essential goods and to closely monitor prices to prevent increases during the holiday.

At the provincial level, preparations are also in full swing. In Champasak province, officials are organising a series of cultural, religious, and tourism activities aimed at showcasing Lao heritage and boosting the local economy. Meanwhile, Savannakhet province has issued detailed guidelines calling for orderly, meaningful, and cost-conscious celebrations, with an emphasis on cultural preservation, public security, and environmental cleanliness.

Local officials have also stepped up efforts to stabilise markets, banning unauthorised price increases and deploying inspection teams to monitor markets and retail outlets during the holiday period.

These measures are intended to ensure that Lao New Year 2026 is celebrated in a safe, orderly, and festive manner, while upholding the nation's long-standing cultural traditions.

--IANS

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