Happy Songkran

SONGKRAN, start van het Thaise Nieuwjaar, traditie is omeenieder nat te spuiten of te gooien met water.

Splendours of Songkran

By: PATSINEE KRANLERT
Published: 2/04/2009 at 12:00 AM
Newspaper section: Horizons

Songkran, the ancient tradition of splashing others with water, is without doubt a unique fun-filled festival which marks the beginning of the Thai New Year. Every region celebrates this auspicious occasion in its own way.

NORTHERN REGION
Chiang Mai will woo visitors with grand celebrations from April 12-15 throughout the city which will be lit up by dazzling parades, cultural performances as well as art demonstrations. In Sukhothai, the celebrations take place within the compound of Si Satchanalai Historical Park during April 8-12 and inside Sukhothai Historical Park from April 12-14.
NORTHEASTERN REGION
Nong Khai is marking the occasion with a festival that runs from April 11-15 along the banks of the Mekong River, while a similar event in neighbouring Khon Kaen, is scheduled from April 8-15 along Si Chan or Khao Nieo road downtown.
Ubon Ratchathani will host the Thai-Indochina Food Festival at Thung Si Muang Park in the city centre from April 10-17, regaling visitors with an endless variety of dishes native to Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia, while Nakhon Phanom will mark Songkran with its own festival planned April 12-15 in Muang and Renu Nakhon districts, when visitors can pour scented water on the seven pagodas that symbolise each day of the week and attend other Buddhist rites.
CENTRAL REGION
Bangkok, the revelry starting April 10-15 revolves around the nine sacred temples around Rattanakosin Island and the Royal Plaza. The city administration has launched a campaign called ''Passport to Nine Royal Temples'' urging revellers to get their books or ''passports'' stamped with seals of temples they visit. ''Passports'' with seals of all nine temples entitle holders to a special souvenir from the Tourism Authority of Thailand. The books can be obtained at the temples.
Meanwhile, the Mon community of Phra Pradaeng in Samut Prakan will hold a festival April 17-19 in front of the district office. Organised in traditional Mon style, on the cards are a colourful procession, folk plays and various forms of entertainment.
EASTERN REGION
Chon Buri plans festivities April 16-17 along the beach in Muang district featuring folk plays, games, sports and a contest involving the building of sand pagodas on the beach. The action then moves to Lan Pho public park in Na Klua during April 18-19 and to Ko Loi public park in Si Racha from April 19-21.
SOUTHERN REGION
Hat Yai plans midnight festivities on Niphat Uthit 3, Sanehanusorn and Thammanoon Withi roads from April 10-13, and Nakhon Si Thammarat from April 11-15 at Wat Phra Boromthat temple, Si Thamma Sokarat Park, Sanam Na Muang, Phra Isuan Hall and Phra Narai Hall. The festival includes paying respect to relics of Lord Buddha, a procession and bathing rites for the Phra Buddha Sihing image, merit-making activities, cultural performances and food fair.