Songkran is a Thai traditional New Year which starts on April 13 every year and lasts for 3 days. At this time, people from the rural areas who are working in the city usually return home to celebrate the festival and spend their time with family. The family members to gather in order to express their respects to the elders by pouring scented water onto the hands of their parents and grandparents and to present them gifts including making merits to dedicate the result to their ancestors. The elders in return wish the youngsters good luck and prosperity.
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.
Thais value the religion by means of merits acquisition, offerings
alms to monks, Dhamma Practice, listening to sermon and monks-bathing.
In the afternoon, after bathing Buddha images, 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.
Also in Bangkok, the famous area for Songkran is Kao San Road where both Thais and farangs are enjoying splashing water.
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Jang
Thai Language teacher
