Lively Songkran observed throughout Thailand

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Lively Songkran observed throughout Thailand

 

   

BANGKOK, 15 April 2019 (NNT) - Events for Songkran festival this year, such as water play along the roads, are filled with fun with water bathing ceremonies at Buddhist statues for good fortune.

 

Udon Thani province has held a bathing ceremony for the Phra Puttha Phothong buddha statue, tying religious seven-colour fabrics on and bathing of the city pillar shrine, Thao Wessuwan statue and Phra Puttha Apaimongkholsamungkhi, which are the sacred items of the province. The bathing ceremony for buddhist monks and elders has been performed by elders from 104 communities at Sanam Thung Sri Muang Udon Thani plaza for good fortune. 

 

In Chanthaburi, the people have arranged a parade of the replica of Phra Puttha Sihing and the parade of Miss Songkran along the roads of Chanthaburi City, allowing the general public to bathe the buddha statue replica for their good fortune, and bathe the hands of elders to show their respects along the way, as well as promoting a safe, alcohol-free Songkran. 

 

At Wat Khuhapimook in Yala, the People of Yala have observed the covering ceremony for Phra Puttha Saiyat and Than Chao Khao, carrying a 35-meter long cloth in a circular procession and climbed the 108 steps to cover the buddha statue, which was built around the year AD 757. There was also a statue bathing and a water pouring ceremony showing respects to elders, a tradition passed down through the generations and is the cultural heritage of Yala province. 

 

In Narathiwat, Narathiwat City Municipality and local communities have arranged Songkran festival actvities at Wat Pracha Pirom temple according to Thai tradition, with a Miss Songkran parade and bathing ceremony for Phra Puttha Sihing Mingmongkol, the sacred item of the province, along with the water pouring ceremony for elders.

 

Prachaphirom Road, or Khao Yum Road, has been closed to allow villagers to enjoy water splashing activities. The activities this year feature a fountain tunnel which boosts the atmosphere of fun, amidst strict security being provided by the three armed forces.

 

Water play at other Khao roads is also popular, such as at the 1-kilometer long Makrood Road, or Khao Yum road, in Pattani which has some 10,000 people coming out and play, with a 650-meter long fountain tunnel help bring down the temperature. There is also a foam party for both children and adults can enjoy. Pattani City Municipality has been promoting safety of the event and have banned alcohol. 

 

In Ang Thong, teenagers have been splashing water on Khao Suk Road, or the 5-kilometer long Sena - Channasut road. Some people even go bathe in the irrigation canal. Water play on Khao Suk road will take place everyday until 15 April from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with the police, military and volunteers providing protection.

 

Finally, in Surin the road in front of the city hall has been closed to let people splash water and renamed “Kae Jad” road, a local expression meaning "the road to play Songkran". A 100-meter fountain tunnel splashes water to bring down the heat along with traditional music and traditional Rum Wong dancing, where many elders have dressed in Thai attire and dance with joy.

 

The area from Phraya Surin Phakdi Si Narong Changwang Monument to Surin Provincial Administration Organization’s Auditorium has been transformed into a cultural road where people can play water games with 9 elephants, and the atmosphere at festival is livelier than in previous years.

 

-- © Copyright nnt 2019-04-15

[jobsworth]

This article should state respect for Thai elders.

Foreign elders can be treated with contempt.