special feature
special feature Songkran Festival in Chiang Mai
Wat Phra That Lampang Luang
Wet and Wild Join in the world’s largest water festival in Thailand WORDS MICHELLE YEE PHOTOGRAPHS COPYRIGHT OF TOURISM AUTHORITY OF THAILAND
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ith its bustling night bazaars, huge shopping malls, vibrant nightlife, and an array of stunning restaurants and cafes, it is no wonder Thailand is one of the most popular travel destinations in Asia. Apart from attracting foodies and shopaholics alike, Thailand is also rapidly gaining popularity among culture enthusiasts seeking new and unique experiences. For travellers who are in search of a holiday destination that can immerse them in culture, Thailand is the place to be, as there are numerous exciting and vibrant festivals held throughout the year that travellers can personally experience during their visit. One of the biggest festivals in the Thai calendar is none other than Songkran Festival, which is held annually from the 13th-15th April. Songkran Festival, also known as the Thai New Year, is a Buddhist Festival, and during this festival, Thais would roam the streets throwing buckets of water onto each other, symbolising the washing away of bad luck. Not just a celebration dedicated to the locals, tourists from all over the world also join in the fun and seize the
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opportunity to shoot water guns or simply enjoy this jovial festivity. Apart from wild water battles, Songkran is also a time when replica sand stupas are built in the courtyards of monasteries, and birds and fish are also set free – tourists can purchase caged birds at temples or along the streets. Locals believe that by setting the birds free, one is gaining merit, while releasing the fish from their bowls to swim freely in the river or canal symbolises a wish for the fish to multiply in the rice paddies during the monsoon season. For those who are unable to attend the parade, they can still pour water on the highly revered Phra Phuttha Sihing Buddha image at Sanam Luang, opposite the Grand Palace. The sacred image will be paraded along the streets on the first day of Songkran, and then left there for three days. It is believed that doing this will bring good luck and prosperity for the New Year. Other highlights here include dancing flash mobs, carnival floats and cultural shows. While Bangkok is a hot favourite among tourists, the largest water festival parade is actually held further up north in Chiang Mai, where the celebrations take on a more
Celebrating Songkran Festival in Bangkok
Pour Water on The Hands of Revered Elders
religious note, and lasts for four days instead of the usual three. The more spiritual aspect of the festival can be witnessed on the first day of Songkran with a procession of Buddha images and floats that start at Narawat Bridge and end at Wat Prasingh. The second day usually sees locals heading to the Mae Ping River at dusk to collect sand from the banks which is then taken to temples, piled up and topped with flowers. This custom is known as “raising temple grounds”.
What to take note of during Songkran While it is recommended to dress as casually as possible, as your clothes are likely to get stained, it is still important to dress appropriately. Travellers should also keep their cameras well-protected with waterproof casing as it is very likely to get sprayed and splashed at by those who are participating in the water parade.
How to get there
Songkran Festival in Lampang
Major airlines fly from Singapore and Malaysia to Thailand. Scoot (flyscoot.com), Tigerair (tigerair.com), Thai Lion Air (lionairthai.com), AirAsia (airasia.com), Thai Airways (thaiairways.com), Jetstar Asia (jetstar.com), Singapore Airlines (singaporeair.com) and Cathay Pacific (cathaypacific.com) cater flights from Singapore to Bangkok, while AirAsia (airasia.com), Malindo Air (malindoair.com), Ethiopian Airlines (ethiopianairlines.com), Thai Airways (thaiairways.com) and Malaysia Airlines fly from Kuala Lumpur. www.tourismthailand.org/sg www.facebook.com/tat.sg
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