Hello, welcome to Day of Thailand auto radio. I’m Orapan
B : I’m B
C: And C, today topic is Songkran Festival Day or Thailand New Year's Day, right?
B: Yes, let’s start with the the importance of the Songkran Festival Day.
A:The word "Songkran" derives from Sanskrit language and means to pass or to move into.
C:Songkran festival takes place over three days every year, on the 13th - 15th of April.
B: I know that Songkran is one of Thailand's National Holidays.
During this time, I saw people from rural areas, who work in a city like Bangkok, return home to celebrate the festival.
A:It is a great opportunity for family members to gather together, so...what do you usually do when you see each other on that day?
C:We express our respect to our elders by pouring scented water onto our parents' and grandparents' hands.
B:The elders in turn wish the youngsters good luck and prosperity, so Songkran Day is also Family Day.
A:This special day gives value to religion because we gain a lot of merit by offering alms to monks, meditating, listening to sermons.
C:Carrying sand to temple and forming sand pagodas, as well as bathing rite for Buddha images and the monks.