APRIL
Songkran
Songkran is a public holiday that was the Thai New Year until royal decree had it shifted to 1st January. This traditional Thai custom of merry-making is the Kingdom's most 'sanuk' (fun-filled) festival, celebrated with tremendous enthusiasm, nation-wide, once a year. In most parts of the country, Songkran extends over a period of 3 days. Songkran is also the time for reunions and family ties are renewed. The central event is the sprinkling of water on one's respected elders to wish them well and ask for their blessings. This usually turns into the boisterous throwing of buckets of water on anyone who happens to be passing by. The characteristic tradition of water-throwing ranging from a courteous sprinkle or a polite splash, to harmless water pistols and showers from garden hoses to the well-aimed bucket or water-cannon delivered in a festive spirit. Without a doubt, on the practical side, Songkran is a refreshing solution to "beating the heat" in the hottest season of the year. There is a however a much deeper significance to "Songkran".
Dok Khun Siang Khaen Songkran Festival—Khon Kaen
As part of the
traditional Songkran Thai new year merit-making ceremonies in Khon Kaen
province, the locals perform bathing rituals to pay homage to revered Buddha
images and shrines, present merit-making offerings to monks and pay respect
to elders by pouring lustral water over their hands in a bathing ritual.
The rest of the Grand Songkran holidays are filled with festive fun with
hours of friendly water- splashing, Miss Songkran beauty pageants, floral
float processions, and a variety of traditional Northeastern folk
entertainment.
Songkran Festival and Thai Raman Flag Ceremony—Phra Pradaeng, Samut Prakarn
The Phra Pradaeng Songkran Festival differs from others in that it is held a little later than in most other locales (during April 22 – 24 each year). The Songkran rituals and celebrations here are held on the Sunday that follows after Songkran Day on April 13. Ancient traditions are still being observed and are a source of pride passed on to future generations.
"Ascent of the Mountain" Annual Festival: "Festival of The Thousand Year Miracle of the Phanom Rung Grand Shrine"—Buri Ram
Located on a hilltop with splendid views, Phanom Rung is an impressive Khmer temple dating from the early part of the Ankor period, adorned with superb stone carving. Each year, a fair is held featuring various exhibits of the temple complex as well as performances of local entertainment.
The Phra Chedi Klang Nam Fair—Samut Prakarn
The Phra Chedi Klang Nam Fair is one of the larger temple fairs. It is celebrated at the wat on the river's edge at Prapadaeng, 15 kilometres south of Bangkok, on the Thonburi side of the river.
Turtle Releasing Fair
At Nai Yang beach in Phuket, young turtles are released for their journey to the sea. The festival begins early in the morning, with alms offered to the monks, and is accompanied by music, dancing, sports and food.
