Lanna in love
The best-known Songkran celebrations in the whole of Thailand take place in the north where you’ll find a wonderful balance of water-based fun and sacred ceremonies that show the religious importance of this festival to the Lanna people.
In Chiang Mai, it is known as “Prapeni Pi Mai Mueang” and lasts five days. Highlights include the procession of Chiang Mai’s prominent Phra Buddha Sihing image as well as bathing the image, and taking part in a parade bringing sand and Sali (the Bodhi tree) clutches to temples, cultural events and performances. There is also a lot of tasty northern cuisine to enjoy. For more information, contact TAT Chiang Mai Office (053) 248 604-5, email: [email protected]
At Khelang Nakorn Park, Tha Kraw Noi Road, Lampang, visitors can enjoy the “Salung Luang Songkran Festival” until Thursday (April 13). Events include the Salung Luang procession, the Miss Songkran Contest, competitions for the best floral horse-drawn carriages, cultural shows and many local performances. For more information, contact TAT Lampang Office (053) 248 604-5.
The Monument of Phra Mahathammaracha I (Lithai), Si Satchanalai district, Sukhothai is the focal point of the “Song Nam – Oi Tan Ceremony” being held today and tomorrow at Si Satchanalai Historical Park. It features a procession to pay respects to Phra Maha Thammaracha I, who was king of Sukhothai from 1347 to 1368, a Lady Oi Tan beauty competition and a Chang Pho Mueang Parade with elephants dressed in all their finery. There will also be cultural displays from the 10 local communities and tasty northern food to enjoy. For more information, contact TAT Sukhothai Office (055) 616 228-9.
Sawankhalok district in Sukhothai plays host to the “Songkran and Sawankhalok Food Festival” from today until Saturday (April 15). The event takes place along the Yom River and features concerts and dancing on the floating stage adjacent to Wat Sawang Arom Worawihan. The temple is the one of the oldest and most important in the district. For more information, contact TAT Sukhothai Office (055) 616 228-9.
Traditional activities and games are the highlights of the “Retro Songkran Splendours, Sukhothai 2017” running at Sukhothai Historical Park Sukhothai from tomorrow through Friday (April 12-14). One of the most popular events is the sand pagoda building contest in which families compete to come up with the most stunning design. For more information, contact TAT Sukhothai Office (055) 616 228-9.
A little more in keeping with the wild side of the Thai new year is the “Flowery Shirt Songkran on Khao Tok Road” event in Sukhothai city and Sukhothai public park. Running from tomorrow through Sunday, it sees celebrants in colourful Hawaiian-style shirts forming a parade, paying their respects to the Buddha images then drenching each other. For more information, contact TAT Sukhothai Office (055) 616 228-9.
Wat Sri Chum in Sukhothai Historical Park is the venue for “The Great Songkran” from Thursday until Sunday (April 13-16). Wat Si Chum is one of Thailand’s best-known temples and its iconic Buddha image draws people from around the world who come to pay their respects and apply gold leaf to the statue. For more information, contact TAT Sukhothai Office (055) 616 228-9.
Last but far more least, the Monument of Chao Muen Dong, Baan Toek sub-district, Si Satchanalai, Sukhothai, is the venue for the “Hae Nam Kuen Hong Ceremony and Chao Muen Dong Bathing Rite” taking place from April 17-20. This is aimed at giving visitors the chance to make merit for the year to come. As well as the ceremony itself, there will be folk plays and a procession of elephants. The mighty beasts will even bow to the famous Muen Dong image. The elephants are also given a health check as part of the event and there will be a muay thai dance performance in which local boxers also show their respects to the Buddha image via an exquisite series of movements. For more information, contact TAT Sukhothai Office (055) 616 228-9.
