April 13-15, 2005
Songkarn Festival, known as a Thai ancient New Year or often called “Water Festival”, takes places during April 13 through 15 every year. The history of the festival is influenced by the ancient Hindu astrological calendar when the sun itself moved from one side of the Zodiac to another.
Songkarn Festival is the biggest and most popular feast in Thailand with the unique and traditional celebration of water. Several activities both outdoors and indoors are held to entertain people from different countries not only Thai people.
Early morning of April 13th every year starts as the first day when most people begin outdoor activities by visiting the temple to listening to Dharma, bathing the Buddha image and offering food to the monks. In all the areas around the temple, they release lively animals such as birds and tortoises to gain a great merit. Along the streets in the late morning, people enjoy the amusement of the parade and marching band with entertaining music. The parade is more attractive with the decoration of beautiful flowers and “Songkarn Ladies” sitting on the parade carts. Later in the afternoon, it is time for cooling off in the hot weather with the celebration of water. The water from buckets, pitchers, water-guns and balloons are allowed and almost obligatory. People splash water on each other since it is the religious belief that water eliminates bad luck and they have much fun with this soaking. There are also booth fairs such as foods, games, and goods at the reasonable price in all public areas held until late night. Particularly at night, people entertain with a concert, a comedy show, and the beauty contest of “Miss Songkarn”. Shot to the sky, the magnificent fireworks are very amazing.
On the same day, people also do the indoor activities within the family. In the morning, it is like Chinese New Year when all family members help each other clean the house and throw anything old and useless away with the religious belief of misfortune elimination. All relatives and descendants are so much happy to join the family reunion to wish their elders good health and all happiness. A traditional ritual called “Rod Nam Dam Hua” is held in the late afternoon. All descendants show their great respect to their elders by pouring the scented water in their palm hand while receiving their blessing in return.
“Sawasdee Pee Mai”, which officially means “Happy New Year” in English, is an outstanding phrase of Songkarn Festival and is heard everywhere in Thailand. Throughout the country, people both Thai and foreigners are filled with happiness, amusement, excitement that can not be expected to be found in every normal daily life.
For more information about this amusing festival, please check out these links:
www.thaiworldview.com/feast/songkran.htm
How do you feel about our amusing event of the month? Found it amazing, interesting, exciting and fun? But absolutely it is WET!!! Any comments or suggestions,via email
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