Today I would like to introduce a Thai tradition, it is the most famous festival. That is, the water
festival, and an important event on the Buddhist calendar, which we call SONGKRAN. Songkran Festival was established on 13 April
(Western Calendar) as the Thai New Year dates from the distant past. Songran derives from the language of ancient
Buddhist Scriptures or Pali.
The word “Songkhara”
in Pali, refers to Zodiacal movement of the sun. In Thai, the word became modified to Songkan which eventually change to Songkran. The timing of the Thai New Yea (officially set on 13th April) reflects the
ancient use of the lunar calendar and customary farming cycles off when the
harvesting of an Old Year end and the planting of a New Year.
The Lunar New Year in Thailand marks a time when the country literally goes to water. Part a time of respect and part riot, Songkran is an occasion when images of the Buddha are bathed, and young Thais seek the blessing of their elders by pouring scented water over their hands (a ceremony known as rod nahm dum hua). After that, the water will be throwing free for all. Traditionally, the custom was to pour water gently over other people, but it has evolved into little more than a good excuse for some water.
Water is an important element of Songkran, especially in the current times
when the throwing of water has become a huge part of the annual celebrations
and if you're visiting Thailand during this period don't be surprised if you get
splashed. Crowds of people roam around throwing bucketful of water, using water
pistols and just generally soaking anyone in their neighborhood or anyone on
the street. Appreciation of the family is another important aspect of the
festival, with many Thai people making their way to their hometowns to spend
time with older relatives. Buddhists also visit temples throughout Songkran
where water is poured on Buddha images and on the hands of Buddhist monks as a
mark of respect.
Songkran Festival would be taking place around 3-5
days of each year and in Year 2014 is 13-16 April. Almost every province in Thailand would prepare
the celebration, especially the northern part of Thailand, Chiangmai Provinces. I had enjoyed Songran in Chiangmai once, long
time ago. It might be more than 30 years. I have a couple school mates, they lived in
Northern, but each one lived d different provinces which are Chiangmai,
Chiangrai and Prayao. We went as a group
for 10 people, and all were girls. I
really enjoyed very much at that time as I was still very young and fresh, and
just were out there and enjoyed life.
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