Songkran festivities moved from Sanam Luang to Lumpini Park
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) will hold its annual Songkran festivities at Lumpini Park from April 12 to 15, deputy BMA city clerk Silapasuay Raweesaengsoon said on Saturday.
Unlike previous years the celebrations this year would not be held at Sanam Luang, the BMA official said.
On April 12, there will be a procession of the Phra Buddha Sihing image to Lumpini Park. The procession will start at 8.30am and will stop at six locations for Buddhists to pay obeisance to the Buddha idol. The idol is scheduled to reach the park at 5pm and will be placed on the main stage for merit-making rites.
On April 13, which is Songkran Day or New Year Day, Buddhist monks will receive alms at the merit-making venue and there will be a rite for the pouring of water on the hands of the elderly, Silapasuay said.
She said the celebrations will be bigger than in previous years and there will be Songkran beauty contests for girls, middle-aged women as well as the elderly.
She said Songkran revellers could get dressed in period costumes or floral-patterned colourful shirts that are normally worn for Songkran.
She said there would be traditional shows and booths would also be set up to sell OTOP products and goods that are original to Bangkok.
Since the BMA-organised festivities will take place in the proximity of the annual Songkran celebrations on Silom Road, a huge number of revellers are expected hence visitors are advised to use either BTS Skytrain of MRT subway to reach the park, the BMA official added.