The people of Bangkok take every opportunity to celebrate life and have a number of festivals throughout the year. The Songkran festival is the most famous example of this. The term Songkran comes from the Sanskrit language and literally means ‘astrological passage’. The significance of this festival is that it celebrates the Thai New Year. It is celebrated throughout the nation beginning on April 13 and concluding on April 15 after three days of jubilant celebration. Such is the magic of the Songkran festival that it is also celebrated in Laos, Cambodia and Burma though Thailand and in particular, Bangkok, plays host to the most memorable celebrations annually.
If you happen to be in Bangkok during the Songkran, we hope that you don’t mind getting wet because the throwing of water is the chief method of celebration. Of course, tourists are likely to revel in the soothing relief of water because Bangkok is extremely warm in April. The public see Songkran as a time of cleaning which means old and useless possessions must be disposed of lest they bring misfortune to their owner.
The ceremony begins on 13 April with Buddha images bathed. Scented water is poured onto the hands of elders by young people as a mark of respect. In return, the youths hope to receive the blessing of the elders. In previous times, elders were fully bathed and clothed by youths. Another main feature of Songkran involves going to a Buddhist Monastery to pray and provide the monks with food.
However, Songkran is the festival of a lifetime for foreign visitors with colorful parades and playful water soaking providing them with a fun insight into Thai culture. The city of Chiang Mai holds the longest Songkran celebrations which last six days or more. It is not unusual for visitors to come all the way to Thailand just to take part in Songkran such is its international reputation.
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