From: 12 APR 2012
Until: 15 APR 2012
Venue: Chiang Mai City, Chiang Mai, Thailand
What is Songkran Festival?
Songkran festival is the celebration to the Thai New Year from 13 to 15 April of every year. The country has adopted the first of January as the beginning of the year for decades, this traditional new year (or Thai new year referred to by the locals) holds its place as one of the most important national holidays. More and more, the celebration around the country are being harmonised to the same period; however, variations can be found in many regions. For examples, in Chonburi, the traditional celebration starts from 16 APR and last for a few days; while the celebration in some northern parts of the country can last more than a week.
In modern time, people associate this festival with the water throwing event; traditional events, however, is much different. Songkran period can be referred to one of the most spiritual and religious events. It is the time to come home! What is beyond that is the chance for the family meet-up; the chance for paying respect to parents who live in the other part of the country. Especially to those who relocate to the urban area for work, Songkran is a do-or-die business for them to come home.
The origin of water throwing in Songkran Festival might be from 'water pouring'. Even today, the locals still pour traditional fragrance water to their elders wishing them well and for their blessings. The Buddha images are poured signalling the 'bathing' of the images to bring good luck and prosperity. Pouring water also mean washing the bad things away. Although when it is not to the elders, our water pouring are not very gentle. Whence came water throwing!
The origin of water throwing in Songkran Festival might be from 'water pouring'. Even today, the locals still pour traditional fragrance water to their elders wishing them well and for their blessings. The Buddha images are poured signalling the 'bathing' of the images to bring good luck and prosperity. Pouring water also mean washing the bad things away. Although when it is not to the elders, our water pouring are not very gentle. Whence came water throwing!
Food for thought!
It is somehow challenging for the Thais to continue their traditional activities in the ever-growing-water-throwing-tourist-attracting environment. Although many institutions have publicised their view to do it the 'middle way', these campaigns can reach only a minority of the people. Many provinces start creating (or copying) their own water-throwing-battle-royale-street just to attract tourists who do not care of anything but to have fun. Personally, I hope we realise more of the spiritual part of this festival ere it is completely gone. And hey, I am not even a traditionalist!
@ Chiang Mai
The Northern parts of Thailand are famous for preserving the traditional parts of this festival; at the same time, tourists are well entertained. Among those regions, Chiang Mai live to its famous name for tourists. Its festival, coordinated by the Chiang Mai municipality, will have a grand opening ceremony with a wonderful procession around Chiang Mai city. Tourists can join the real Songkran by pouring the fragrance water to the Buddha images and elders; experiencing the famous local performances and food. Needless to say, Chiang Mai is also a centre for the controvercial water throwing festival. So, you can have a complete package here.
Personally, I do recommend you to book in advance. Since many people will be travelling, both locals and tourists, travelling there by plane to avoid traffic jam on such period is also crucial. Book ASAP!!!
For more information contact: Chiang Mai Municipality Office Tel. +66 (53) 25 90 00
Tourism Authority of Thailand, Chiang Mai Office Tel. +66 (53) 24 86 04, 07 Fax.+66 (53) 24 86 05
Website : http://www.tourismthailand.org/chiangmai
E-mail : tatchmai@tat.or.th
Tourism Authority of Thailand
Wikipedia
