Date
13-15 April 2008
Venue
Wat Intraram, Nakhon Pathom
Activities
Making merits to the monks, sand chedi building, demonstration of the Songkran funs that are “correct” to the traditional, elderly health competition, and water funs.
Contact
TAT Central Regoin 1
Tel: 0 3451 1200, 0 3451 2500
|
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Sunday, April 6, 2008
The Great Songkran Day 2008 Suphanburi Province
Date
13 April 2008
Venue
Nane Keaw Road, Muang, Suphanburi Province
Activities
Giving alms to monks, Procession of the Buddha image for the people to bathe, Paying homage to the elderly, Procession of Songkran tradition, Cultural Performance and enjoy splashing water.
Further Information
Suphanburi Tourism Coordination Centre
Tel. 0 3553 6030
Hat Yai Midnight Songkran Festival, Songkhla
Date
11 – 14 April 2008
Venue
Niphat Uthit Road, Sanehanusorn Road, Hat Yai
Activities
| 12 April 2008 | |
| 18.00 hrs. | A procession of Songkran festival. |
| 13 April 2008 | |
| Miss Songkran Beauty Contest and various forms of entertainment and local games as well as playing splashing water in the evening. | |
Further Information
Hat Yai Municipality
Tel: 0 7424 4777
TAT Southern Region Office, Region 1 (Songkhla)
Tel: 0 7423 1055
Songkran The Water Festival on the Beach, Phuket
Date
10-13 April 2008
Venue
Loma Park and The Port, Jungsilon Department Store Patong beach, Phuket
Activities
View the procession of Phra Phuttha Sihing along Patong Beach, paying homage to the elderly, demonstrations of Thai culture and Thai games, procession of motorcycles, and enjoy splashing water.
Hi-Light
| 13 April 2008 | |
| 09.00 hrs. | Giving alms to monks at Dophin Park, then splashing water “Water Festival on the Beach” at Patong beach and Mid-night Songkran at Soi Bang La. |
Further Information
TAT Southern Region Office, Region 4 (Phuket)
Tel: 0 7621 2213, 0 7621 7138.
Nakhon Si Thammarat Songkran Festival
Date
11 – 15 April 2008
Venue
Wat Phra Boromthat and Si Thamma Sokarat Park, Sanam Na Meuang, I-suan Hall, and Phra Narai Hall, Nakhon Si Thammarat
Activities
Wat Boromthat: tradition of paying worship to the Phrathat at Songkran. Sanam Na Mueang, Si Thamma Sokarat Park, I-suan Hall, and Phra Narai Hall, a procession of Phra Puttasihing, Nang Kradan and The Yam Pa Wai Swinging ceremony, local sweets and food festival, free kanom Chin festival, and splashing of water.
Hi-Light
| 13 April 2008 | |
| 17.00 hrs. | A procession of Phra Puttasihing from sport yard to the yard of the city 14 April 2008 at 18.00 hrs. A procession of Nang Dan at I-suan Hall |
Further Information
Nakhon Si Thammarat Municipality
Tel: 0 7534 2880-2
TAT Southern Region Office, Region 2 (Nakhon Si Thammarat)
Tel: 0 7534 6515-6
Sukhothai Songkran Festival
Oi-Than Bathing Ceremony- Si Satchanalai Songkran Festival
Date
8 - 12 April 2008
Venue
Si Satchanalai Historical Park, Sukhothai
Activities
a parade paying homage to the governor of Sukhothai, local entertainment and games, local merchandise and fruit as well as an elephant riding around the ancient city.
Hi-Light
| 12 April 2008 | |
| 15.00 hrs. | a parade of 30 elephants crossing Kang Luang, Yom river to the Si Satchanalai Historical Park, Sukhothai. |
Further Information
Si Satchanalai District Office
Tel: 0 5567 1466, 0 5567 9153
TAT Northern Region Office, Region 3 ( Phisanulok)
Tel: 0 5525 2742-3
Back to the Ancient Ceremony of Songkran Festival of Sukhothai
Date
12-14 April 2008
Venue
Sukhothai Historical Park, Sukhothai
Activities
A procession of Miss Songkran, Building up sand Chedi contest, Thai cultural entertainment, local games and music.
Hi-Light
| 12 April 2008 | |
| 10.30 hrs. | A procession of all worship materials for Phra Phuttasihing parade to the yard of King Ramkhamhaeng Maharat. |
| 14 April 2008 | |
| 14.00 hrs. | A procession of ancient carts and Miss Songkran beauty contest from Chalot Withithong street to Wat Mahatart, Sukhothai Historical Park |
Further Information
Muang Kao Municipality
Tel: 0 5563 3343
TAT Northern Region Office, Region 3 (Phisanulok)
Tel: 0 5525 2742-3
Nakhon Phanom Songkran and Lao New Year Festival
Date
12 – 15 April 2008
Venue
Mueang District and Renu Nakhon Municipality, Nakhon Phanom
Activities
bathing ceremony of the birthday Chedi; participate in making the sand Buddha image that is believed to bless people with good health, as well as living longer
Hi-Light
Tying the holy string around the 2000-year-old Chedi that is revered by the people of Thailand and Lao PDR. and is located in the middle of the Mekong river to pray and bless for both Thai Lao neighbors.
Cultural Center Ranu Nakorn, Ranu Nakorn District Office
Tel: 0 4257 9240
TAT Northeastern Region Office, Region 4 (Nakorn Panom)
Tel: 0 4251 3490-1
Dok Khun Siang Khaen Festival and Sticky Rice Street, Khon Kaen
Date
13-15 April 2008
Venue
Area of Beung Kan and Si Chan Road, Khon Kaen
Activities
A procession of floral carts, I san food contest, Khon Kaen local food festival, a parade for bathing Buddha for blessing , paying homage to elderly and local cultural entertainment.
Hi-Light
| 14 April 2008 | |
| 10.00 hrs. | A procession of Koon flower carts and splashing water around Si Chan road ( Khao Niao road). |
Further Information
Khon Kaen Municipality
Tel: 0 4322 4032, 0 4322 4029 ext. 1504
TAT Northeastern Region Office, Region 3
Tel: 0 4324 4498-9
Chiang Mai Songkran Festival
Date
12-15 April 2008
Venue
All around in Chiangmai city, Chiangmai province
Activities
A procession and bathing of the Phra Phuttasihing, paying homage to elderly, local traditional shows and local artistic game demonstration , splashing water around the city ditch, walking street and all international food.
Hi-Light
| 12 April 2008 | |
| 07.00 hrs. | Royal Flora Garden (Ratchaphruek), there is a piling rice to 99 monks and grand opening Songkran festival by the Minister of Tourism and Sport Ministry. |
| 13 April 2008 | |
| 14.00 hrs. | a procession and bathing of the Phra Phuttasihing and Miss Songkran parade from Naowarat bridge to Wat Phra Sing. |
| 14 April 2008 | |
| 16.00 hrs. | a parade of sand-carrying back to temple & Mai Kham Sari from Saphan Lek (Iron bridge) to the temple on Tha Phae Street. |
| 15 April 2008 | |
| 13.30 hrs. | a parade of paying homage for Chiang Mai Governor from Three Kings monument to the Governor’s Office. |
Further Information
Municipality
Tel: 0 5325 9000
TAT Northern Region Office, Region 1 (Chiang Mai)
Tel: 0 5324 8604, 0 5324 8607
Thai-Lao Songkran Festival, Nong Khai
Date
12 – 18 April 2008
Venue
at Wat Pho Chai, Nong Khai
Activities
Food street on 13 April 2008, at 7.00 hrs. and Celebrate with a procession of the well-known Thai-Lao Buddha image, “Luang Pho Phra Sai
Further Information
Nong Khai Provincial Office
Tel: 0 4241 2678
TAT North eastern Region Office, Region 5 ( Udon Thani)
Tel: 0 4232 5406-7
Chonburi Songkran Festival
Pattaya Songkran Festival (Wan Lai Fair)
Date
18 – 19 April 2008
Venue
Pho Na Kleua Public Park, Chon Buri
Activities
Procession of the Buddha image for the people to bathe, along the Pattaya beach, local games, various arts and cultural performances, piling rice tradition, paying homage to the elderly, Miss Songkran Beauty Contest and enjoy splashing water along the beach of Pattaya.
Hi-Light
| 19 April 2008 | |
| 08.00 hrs. | Procession of the Buddha image for the people to bathe and enjoying splashing water along the Pattaya beach. |
Further Information
Pattaya City,
Tel. 0 3837 1116-9,
TAT Central Region Office : Region 3 (Chonburi),
Tel. 0 3842 7667, 0 3842 8750
Traditional Pattaya Lai Festival
Date
16 – 17 April 2008
Venue
Bangsaen Beach, Meuang District, Chon Buri
Activities
Giving alms to monks, paying homage to the elderly, local games competitions, sand Chedi building, and enjoying splashing water along the clean and white Bangsaen Beach.
Hi-Light
16 April 2008 : Sand Chedi building contest
Further Information
Saen Suk Municipality.
Tel. 0 3838 5353-5,
TAT Central Region Office : Region 3 (Chonburi),
Tel. 0 3842 7667, 0 3842 8750
Si Racha Songkran Festival and Piling Rice Ceremony
Date
19 – 21 April 2008
Venue
Ko Loi Public Park, Si Racha District, Chon Buri
Activities
See a piling rice ceremony, a procession of bathing the Buddha image, procession and decoration of the piling rice vehicles, Thai arts and cultural show, demonstrations of various local sports and games, sand Chedi building contest, as well as splashing of water.
Hi-Light
A Procession and decoration of the piling rice vehicles.
Further Information
Si Racha Municipality.
Tel. 0 3878 7947,
TAT Central Region Office : Region 3 (Chonburi),
Tel. 0 3842 7667, 0 3842 8750
Ko Si Chang Songkran Festival
Date
13 – 19 April 2008
Venue
Ko Si Chang and Ko Kham Yai, Chon Buri
Activities
Giving alms to monks, bathing the Buddha image, a piling rice ceremony, paying homage to the elderly, sand Chedi building contest, local games, takraw competition, music performances.
Hi-Light
Girl dunking tradition ( By asking permission from lady to carry her into the sea and carry her back afterward and then will be a Thai Classical dance for all couple to join and have fun with., being held at Ko Kam Yai, 1 k.m approximately distant from Ko Si Chang)
TAT Central Region Office : Region 3 (Chonburi),
Tel. 0 3842 7667, 0 3842 8750
Songkran Festival at Phra Pradaeng, Samut Prakan 2008
Date
18-20 April 2008
Venue
Downtown district of Phra Pradaeng, Samut Prakan
Activities
Swan and centipede flags parade, Miss Songkran parade, decorated vehicles and all beautiful ladies wearing Thai Raman dresses parades also traditional local games especially Sa-ba of Thai Raman tribe, and paying homage to the elderly, Miss and Mister Songkran beauty contest as well as how to play splashing water as Thai-Raman traditional way
Hi-Light
| 20 April 2008 | |
| 13.00 hrs. | Miss Songkran festival parade |
| 15.30 hrs. | birds & fishes parade for releasing them back to the nature being held at Wat Protget Chettharam |
| 18-20 April 2008 | |
| 19.00 hrs. | Traditional local game ( Sa-ba Raman and Sa-ba Toi) being held at ancient Plaeng FaiFa fort and Raman village. |
Phra Pradaeng district office
Tel: 0 2463 4891 ext. 129-130
TAT Central Region Office, Region 8 (Nakhon Nayok)
Tel: 0 3731 2282, 0 3731 2284
Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Songkran Festival 2008
Date
13 – 14 April 2008
Venue
Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Historical Park, Wihan Phramongkhon Bophit, and around the island city, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya
Activities
Making merit to the monks, releasing of birds and fish, paying homage to the elderly.
Hi-Light
| 13 April 2008 | |
| 06.00 hrs. | Making merit to the monks at the front of Wihan Phramongkhon Bophit |
| 14.00 hrs. | The grand procession of the Songkran tradition, enjoying splashing water with elephants at the old city. |
Education Division, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Municipality.
Tel. 0 3525 2168
TAT Central Region Office : Region 6 (Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya),
Tel. 0 3524 6076-7, 0 3532 2730-1
Bangkok Songkran Festival 2008
Date
12 – 15 April 2008
Venue
at 9 royal temples and around Rattanakosin Island
Hi-Light:
- Songkran Celebration of the 4 Regions (southern section of Sanam Luang near Wat Phra Kaeo)
- Bathing of Buddha images from the 4 regions, local food and dessert making demonstrations, and cultural shows from various regions.
Open Ceremony on 12th April 2008 18.00-21.00 hrs.
at Wat Arun (Wat Chaeng)
- Paying worship at 9 royal temples around Rattanakosin Island.
On 12-15 April 2008 09.00-18.00 hrs. :
Wat Phra Sri Rattanasasadaram (Wat Phra Kaeo)
Wat Chetaphon (Wat Pho)
Wat Suthat, Wat Saket
Wat Bowonniwet
Wat Chanasongkram
Wat Rakung
Wat Arun (Wat Chaeng)
Wat Kalayanamitr
Participants will receive a Passport of the 9 temples at each public relations point of each temple. After receiving the stamp from all the temples, a coupon for a lucky prize will be given.
- Fun-filled splashing in traditional Thai dress, Khao San Road with various forms of Songkran fun, on 4-15 April 2008 at 07.00-18.00 hrs.
- Banglamphu community at Santi Chaiprakarn Park, Phra Athit Road and Wisut Kasat., on 12-13 April 2008
Further Information :
Events Planning Division, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)
Tel. 02 250 5500 ext. 3470-3
TAT Call Center 1672
Get To Know Songkran Custom!
2. The purpose of bathing or splashing water in the Songkran Festival is to give and request for blessings through water, not for the rigorous water war.
3. Applying soft chalk powder called "Din Saw Phong" on one’s face or body is traditionally an individual’s choice of dressing and, thus, a personal business. You should not offer unsolicited help with it. To touch others without their permission is considered an ill manner by civilised Thais.
- The bathing rite for the elders (aged over 60 years old, according to the old custom) as a tribute of respect and for blessings. As a youngster, you can pour scented water onto the hands of the elders without pronouncing any blessings. The elders in return will bestow their best wishes upon you.
– The bathing rite for the peers or juniors. You should ask for permission before gently pouring the scented water over the person’s shoulder and down his/her back and uttering words of blessing for the New Year. However, if you are close friends, you can enjoy splashing water on each other as you wish yet with appropriate manners and moral and safety cautions.
5. The water used for bathing and splashing is regarded as sacred. Thus, it must be clean water, "Nam Ob" (water saturated with perfumes, either of Thai or Western origin) or scented water with floral pedals, and NOT dirty water or ice.
7. Making obeisance is the highest form of respect by prostrating oneself with palms pressed together and then bowing until the pressed palms, arms and forehead touch the floor in front of the person or the image one pays respect to. The palms must be kept pressed together and separated when making obeisance to the Buddha image or monks only.
8. To bathe the Buddha image or any idol, it is more appropriate to pour the scented water on other parts of the Buddha image than on its head.
9. “Rod Nam Dum Hua” or paying respect through the pouring of Songkran water is the northern Old Lanna custom. The ceremony is different from those in other parts of Thailand in some details. The term ‘Dum Hua’ is dialectal and may present a wrong meaning if employed for the Songkran ceremonies elsewhere in the country.
10. Songkran is the custom of all Thai people regardless of religions. Those who are not Buddhists can make merits on this occasion based on their religions and beliefs and also enjoy other activities of the Festival.
11. The Songkran festival is held only once a year. We would like to invite all Thai people to come out and celebrate the festival in Thai traditional costume to preserve our glorious culture. Besides, our costume is cool!
9 Sacred Places
Enjoy wearing Thai dress and worship 9 royal temples for prospitiousness. During Songkran festival, to join Buddha images water-bathing and enjoy with water splashing in the communities. This year, shuttle bus (trolley car) will be provided in the route of 9 royal temples during 8.00 – 16.45 hrs. Ticket is 100 Baht for adult and 50 Baht for children. You can buy this ticket at parking point around Wat Prakaew. Moreover, special only for Tour Lah Maha Songkran 2007 Festival, any visitor who completed to worship 9 temples, they can get a reward.
Songkran Activities
"Wan Chai"(the day of offering)
On this day, apart from preparing new dresses to wear, people will make desserts to offer to monks and to give to friends and relatives. This act of generosity is also a way to show off each family’s cooking skills.
Well-to-do families will make a large amount of desserts to give away to others. In the past it was not possible to buy desserts since everyone made their own. Nowadays, some Thais follow western traditions by buying and giving cakes to others, as it is more convenient to do so rather than cooking.
On the dawn of the first day of the incoming year, people will prepare the best varieties of food to offer to monks. They will also dress up in their best attire. After giving alms bowl to monks, monks will eat the offered food in a temple hall. People will go home after monks finish their meal.
Making sand pagodas
There is no specific date for making sand pagodas. It can be done on any days close to Songkran in temple grounds or on riverbank. People in Kamphaengphet province also make offerings to monks on riverbank. People in Nakhon Si 
Releasing birds and fish
This tradition began long time ago and it is normally done during the 
“Bangsukun Atthi”
Apart from releasing birds and fish, there is also a ritual performed by monks to the relics of the dead in order to pass on merits to them. This ritual is known as “Bangsukun Atthi”. It will be performed once during the Songkran festival on any of the three days. In the past, Thais did not bring ashes of the dead back home, but the remains were buried under the Bodhi tree in a temple and monks would be invited to perform the ritual there.
This ritual is believed to be local and is not influenced by Indian traditions because the Indians usually discard ashes in water source, especially into the Ganges. In some areas in Thailand, people also perform a rite to worship guardian spirits of the village and town. In Central Thailand, household choirs such as gathering firewood and fetching water are prohibited during Songkran, and these choirs must be done beforehand.
“Song Nam, Rot Nam, and Sat Nam”
To bathe a Buddha image, people will first make an offering of flowers, candles, and incense sticks to the image. Then they will sprinkle lustral water signifying 
After that, people will “play” by splashing water at one another. A feast in the temple grounds will follow. Traditional desserts will be served there.
The Songkran festival is very much related to water, since people believe that water splashing will induce abundant rainfalls in the incoming year. Water is also a symbol of fertility and is used to clean up bad things. As a result, water is used widely in different ceremonies and rites of passage.
Rod Nam Dam Hua
People in Northwest Thailand conduct the bathing ritual to the elders and respected ones on New Year’s day. Apart from flowers, 
Ritual of Songkran
April 13 or Wan Sangkan Long Wan Sangkan Long means the old year passes by (Sangkan derived from the word Songkran. Lanna people cannot pronounce double consonants. So Songkran is pronounced Sangkan; Pret is pronounced Pet; Krot is pronounced, Kot.) According to the belief of the northern people, there are Kun Sangkan (a male) and Nang Songkran (a female). On New Year’s day (Sankan Long) a prediction will be announced, similar to the Songkran announcement of the central region, for example,
“Sankan Long happens on Sunday with Kun Sangkan, riding on the Naga with a cloud in his hand, moving quickly from the west. Nang Songkran named Siri, holds a cannon, meaning there will be war. Insects will destroy the rice fields. Rain will be abundant. Cattle will fall ill. The wealthy will suffer. White Yang wood is the best quality wood. The spirit of rice lies in the bamboo. Those born on Tuesday will face problems. Those born on Saturday will have good fortune. Red objects and live beings will be costly. White objects will cost less.”
April 14 is called, Wan Nao or Wan Da (preparation day)Wan Nao or Wan Da is an auspicious day when everyone must be cheerful, and must not curse or behave badly. In the morning, food and offerings for the monks are prepared and distributed to friends and relatives in the following morning. In the afternoon, sand is brought to the monastery compounds and sand stupas are created as a form of worship to the Lord Buddha. Finally the time comes for gently splashing water at one another with a word of blessing.
April 15 is called, Wan Phaya Wan
Wan Phaya Wan, which is the most important day of the New Year celebration or the Wan Taleung Sok of the central region. There may be also 4 additional days of celebration: April 15th (Wan Paak Pee), April 16th (Wan Paak Deuan), April 17th (Wan Paak Wan), April 18 (Wan Paak Yam)Wan Songkran involves merit making, offering food to monks, listening to sermons, paying respect to elders, and having fun.
Nang Songkran (Songkran Queen)
According to the legend, the story has been involved with King Kabilaprom and Prince Thammaban. Born to a wealthy family, Prince Thammaban was very intelligent since he was only seven years old King Kabilaprom had asked him three questions with the conditions that if his answers were correct, King Kabilaprom was willing to sacrifice his head but if they were wrong, the Prince must do likewise.
And the questions focus on the good signs of a person at each period of the day from morning to noon until the evening.
And the questions focus on the good signs of a person at each period of the day from morning to noon until the evening.
To the surprise of the King, the Prince had answered the questions correctly. As per the good sign of a person in the morning is at the face, at the chest in the noon time and at the foot in the evening. The King then had to cut off his head as proposed. However, the King’s head had been so powerful that the whole world would be on fire if the head had touched the earth, that a serious drought would occurred and that all ocean water would dry up should it be thrown up in the sky or down in the ocean respectively. Evidently, the King had assigned his seven angel daughters to take turn carrying his head clockwise around Phra Sumane Mountain. And if Songkran Day ( April 13 ) falls on any day of the following, that year will be honoured by that Nang Songkran.
Sunday: “ Tungsatevee ’’
red dress, preferred wild fruit, discus in the right hand, shell in the left hand,
garuda as vehicle.
Monday: “ Korakatevee ”
yellow dress with pearl ornament, preferred butter oil, dagger in the right hand, walking cane in the left hand, tiger as vehicle.
Tuesday: “ Ragsotevee”
light red dress with agate ornament, preferred blood, trident in the right hand, arrow in the left hand, pig as vehicle.
Wednesday: “ Montatevee”
emerald green dress with cat’s eye ornament, preferred milk and butter, sharp iron in the right hand and walking cane in the left hand, donkey as vehicle.
Thursday: “ Kirineetevee”
greenish yellow dress with emerald ornament, preferred nuts and sesame seeds, elephant hook in the right hand, gun in the left hand, elephant as vehicle.
Friday: “ Kimitatevee”
white dress with topaz ornament, preferred banana, dagger in the right hand, Indian vina in the left hand, buffalo as vehicle.
Saturday: “ Mahotorntevee”
black dress with onyx ornament, preferred hog deer, discus in the right hand, trident in the left hand, peacock as vehicle.
Evidently, the prediction for the New Year will be made according to that particular day of the Nang Songkran. For example, if the preferred food of Miss Songkran are nuts and sesame seeds, it is predicted that the year will be productive, prosperous and healthy. And if the preferred food is blood, the prediction would go for a bloody year with all the quarrels. And if Miss Songkran prefers to carry gun, it is predicted that the weather would be full of thunderstorms, etc. Also, at the venue where the grand Songkran Festival is organized, a procession of the Miss Songkran is indispensable for the people to appreciate the festival.
History of Songkran
Deriving from the Sansakrit language, the word “Songkran“ means to pass or to move into. In this context, the meaning implies to the passing and the moving of the sun, the moon and the other planets into one of the zodiacal orbit. And the Grand Songkran Festival which falls on the Aries indicates the new era of the Thai New Year. Owing to the ancient Indian belief, the Grand Songkran Festival is most appropriate to be the Thai New Year due to the timing of the best season which is known as the spring of India which comes right after the cold season of winter. Also, there are other aspects supporting this belief such as the blooming flowers, the fresh atmosphere of the nature and the livelihood of all the living creatures. 
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)