Thailand’s Songkran festivities

BANGKOK The Tourism Authority of Thailand announced, Tuesday, details of the 2017’s Songkran celebrations and special activities for the festive holiday.

Songkran 2017 will get off to a colourful start in Bangkok with a Songkran Splendours: Amazing Songkran 2017 which will take place from 8 to 13 April at Benjasiri Park, from 1600 to 2000 (on 13 April only will start at 1200 to 2000). This will show off different elements of Thailand’s New Year celebrations taking place nationwide and will act as a taster for people who want to travel up-country to celebrate.

Songkran Splendours: Amazing Songkran 2017 will kick off with an Amazing Songkran Joyful Procession on 8 April. This procession, from 1730 to 2030 will head down Sukhumvit Road, starting from the Phrom Phong Junction and will finish at Pathum Wan Intersection.

The procession will be in six parts: 1) Amazing Blossom of Siam; 2) Songkran Goddess, Krini Devi who represents the 2017 Songkran; 3) Myths and traditions of Songkran of the five regions of Thailand told in floral floats made of blooms from each region; 4) Green Songkran, represented by eco-friendly cars and the Earth of Green Songkran Show; 5) Songkran traditions of Thailand’s neighbours including Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar; and 6) the final parade will showcase classic and distinctive cars from many parts of Thailand.

The event will be divided into four zones, each with demonstrations of culture and cuisine.

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 Chonburi 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 tasted, including a Thai dish to beat the summer heat or Khao Chae – steamed rice in jasmine-scented iced water served with savory accompaniments.

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