THURSDAY, March 28, 2024
nationthailand

A toast to tradition

A toast to tradition

Get set for a colourful Thai new year as the Tourism Authority of Thailand brings its “Songkran Splendours: Amazing Songkran 2017” to Bangkok from today (April 8) until April 13.

The festival kicks off with an Amazing Songkran Joyful Procession this evening from 5.30 to 8.3 that will head down Sukhumvit Road from the Phrom Phong Junction to the Pathum Wan Intersection.
The procession consists of six parts: “Amazing Blossom of Siam”; “Songkran Goddess, Krini Devi”, who represents the 2017 Songkran; “Myths and traditions of Songkran” with the story of the festival in the five regions of Thailand told in floral floats made of blooms from each region; “Green Songkran”, represented by eco-friendly cars and the Earth of Green Songkran show”; “Songkran traditions of Thailand’s neighbours including Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar” and “The final parade”, which will showcase classic and distinctive cars from many parts of Thailand.
Visitors should go along to Benjasiri Park to see and taste some of the unique local experiences associated with Songkran. The event will be divided into four zones, each with demonstrations of culture and cuisine. One of the main traditions of Songkran is the pouring of scented water onto the sacred Buddha images – a ritual called “Song Nam Phra.”
Zone 1 is where visitors can pay respect to the Buddha image and experience the ceremony in which respect is paid to elders through the pouring of water onto their hands by younger family members. There will also be workshops on making scented water and flowers.
Zone 2 shows the myths and culture associated with Songkran in each of the five regions such as Pee Mai Muang in the Northern region; Boon Duen Ha in the Northeastern region and Mon style activities from Pra Pradaeng in the Central Region where visitors get the chance to see people in local Mon dress. The Southern Region will showcase local costumes and fishing culture while the Eastern Zone will represent the celebrations of the Sri Maharaja Songkran Festival in Chon Buri Province. Visitors in Zone 2 will get the chance to try charming local costumes and take selfies.
Zone 3 is where Songkran related snacks and desserts from all regions of Thailand can be tried, including a unique Thai dish to beat the summer heat –steamed rice in jasmine-scented iced water served with savoury accompaniments.
Zone 4 is the event’s main stage that will be featuring shows and entertainment typical of Songkran. These include Thai Blind Boxing and a Miss Amazing Songkran International Beauty Contest to be held on April 13.
For information about the different Songkran Splendours and festivals taking place in the rest of Thailand, visit TAT Newsroom Events Calendar
Call (02) 250 5500 extension 4545-48 or visit www.TATNews.org or Facebook: TAT Newsroom.

 

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