Devotees scatter marigold petals on a sand replica of a stupa built at Ong Teu temple in Vientiane, one of the many Lao New Year customs.

People pour water over Buddha statues at Ong Teu temple, symbolising cleansing and renewal, while also offering up prayers for good fortune in the year ahead.

The Miss Sangkhane (Miss Lao New Year) float was one of nearly 40 groups participating in a grand parade to celebrate Lao New Year in Luang Prabang city, Luang Prabang province. The groups represented provincial departments, districts, and villages, and involved more than 3,000 participants.