Songkran Festival
Date: 13-15 April
Venue: Nationwide
“Songkran” is the thai traditional New Year and an occasion for family
reunion. At this time, people from the rural areas who are working in the city
usually return home to celebrate the festival. Thus, when the time comes,
Bangkok temporarily turns into a deserted city.
The festival falls on April 13 and the annual celebration is held throughout
the kingdom. In fact, “Songkran” is a Thai word which means “move” or “change
place” as it is the day when the sun changes its position in the zodiac. It is also
known as the “Water Festival” as people believe that water will wash away bad
luck.
This Thai traditional New Year begins with early morning merit-making,
offering food to Buddhist monks and releasing
caged birds to fly freely into the sky. During this
auspicious occasion, any animals kept will be set
free. Paying homage to one’s ancestors is an
important part of the day. People will pay their
respects to the elders by pouring scented water
over the palms of their hands. The elders in
return wish the youngsters good luck and
prosperity.
In the afternoon, after performing a bathing rite
by gently pouring water mixed with Thai fragrance,
called “Nam Op Thai” for Buddha images and the
monks, the celebrants both young and old, joyfully
splash water on each other. The most-talked about
celebration takes place in the northern province of Chiang Mai where Songkran is
celebrated from April 13 to 15. During this period, people from all parts of the
country flock there to enjoy the water festival, to watch the Miss Songkran
Contest and the beautiful parades.
In Bangkok, the Buddha image “Pra
Buddha Sihing” is brought out from the National
Museum for people to sprinkle lustral water at
Sanam Luang, opposite the Grand Palace.