Let the festivities begin!

It's once a year that Thais enjoy the war of water that is known as Songkran.

But there is more than just a battle of splashes to the traditional Thai New Year. People also go home to see their families. But if you need a party, it's not hard to find - just go out on the streets and get wet.

If you are in Bangkok, you can begin the day by offering food to the 1,500 monks, starting from tomorrow morning on Khao San road. Then enjoy the traditional Thai way of celebrating the new year at one or some of the nine Royal temples including Wat Phra Kaeo, Wat Pho, Wat Chana Songkhram and Wat Arun. People usually give food, release animals and ask for blessing from the monks at the temples until sunset, or until 9pm at Wat Chana Songkhram.

A procession of flowery floats will take off tomorrow afternoon along Ratchadamnoen Avenue to Royal Plaza, followed by an international beauty contest, seeking the most beautiful lady in traditional Thai dress.

Enjoy traditional games and food in a temple fair remodelled from old times. People are encouraged to dress in not-too-revealing attire throughout the festival. The official Songkran festival is held from April 13 to 15, but many start cooling down the temperature from today onwards.

The festival is celebrated in every corner of the country. Famous destinations beyond Bangkok include Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen and Sukhothai.

Showing up on the streets means you are ready for a splashing. So if you don't want to get wet, be extra careful or stay home.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/leisure/women/14925/let-the-festivities-begin

on the spot

THE GOOD AND THE BAD OF SONGKRAN
The much-awaited Songkran festival is just around the corner. For years, the festive Thai New Year has brought both joy and sorrow. During the festival many lives are lost while many who need to go about their usual business are frustrated by the water-splashing that most people enjoy. 'Muse' asked you last week what you like and dislike about Thailand's favourite festival. What do you think should be kept and cherished and what should be prohibited or discouraged? And, with a deteriorating natural environment and dwindling supply of resources, how can we celebrate Songkran in a more environmentally-friendly way? Here are your answers!




Muse's PICK

"

I love Songkran, especially during hot summers like this, getting to participate in such a fun festival by throwing water at people and cooling off from a hot sunny day. And it's also a long holiday so I get some time off from a busy life at university and head back to my hometown to see my parents and pay them respect, which is what people should do during this Thai New Year festival.

"Songkran involves loads and loads of water, and of course water is a renewable resource but that doesn't mean it won't run out one day; therefore, we should use it as sparingly as we can. There are several things we can do to waste as little water as possible at Songkran. For instance, instead of spraying people straight from the house, which surely is a waste of water, we can put water in a big bucket and scoop it out one at a time to pour on people. This is not only an effective way of saving some water, but it also reduces the chance of road accidents that can occur when hosing high pressure water at motorcycles. You can also use your good old squirt gun and fill it up, wander around town and squirt people with it in a more gentle way that conserves water. In addition, because of the high petrol prices today, we should avoid unnecessary personal car usage. Try travelling around at Songkran with public transport like buses or the BTS as you won't find much parking anyway. In doing so, you will find yourself enjoying Songkran while helping the Earth."

RATTAWEE SUWANNATE

Student at Bangkok University International College

"

The Songkran festival is considered Thailand's new year. It is a tradition for us Thais to celebrate Songkran by playing with water. People from all around the world love to attend this festival in Thailand. It is an opportunity for individuals to gather together as a family and splash water on each other. It is fun and the day usually passes by full of joy and excitement.

"However, there are always issues that cause dangers or disadvantages to many. For instance, alcohol is a major problem. As it is considered the New Year, celebrations do not exclude alcohol. Moreover, individuals drive when they are drunk and a huge amount of accidents occur and with this every year many lose their loved ones. It is ironic and due to this it discourages many from enjoying the festival the way it should be celebrated. Alcohol should be prohibited. Individuals riding motorcycles should be discouraged to create a healthy and safe environment for children, adults and all tourists to celebrate this festival."

ANCHALEE RATTANARUANGSUP

Bangkok University student

"

What I like about Songkran is the fact that this tradition has remained with us despite rapid Westernisation and modernisation and particularly the water-splashing aspect of it that is so refreshing. But it's sad that some people turn this festival into an opportunity for sexual harassment or go too far by splashing water on moving vehicles or mixing harmful colouring substances with the powder.

"Songkran without water would not be called Songkran. It would be almost impossible for people to curb the amount of water used in the festival. The government could consider providing recycled water for the people so they don't have to use tap water. Better yet, if we could advocate that people celebrate Songkran in a public park or green area, it would be great as the water will immediately go to the trees and plants there!"

UAMDAO NOIKORN

NGO officer

"

What I like about Songkran is the way it is an old tradition for younger people to show their respect to the elderly. What I hate is the way they go too far, like using either dirty water or ice and some women dressing in a seductive way.

"Nowadays, we have been hit by droughts and the world is getting warmer. So, we should curb the use of water. Just sprinkling water on each other should be enough. We can have fun with no need to splash so much water that we get soaked. Another choice is to celebrate Songkran on the beach so we can use as much seawater as we want and enjoy the holiday at the same time. Waterfalls are also nice places to go. After splashing water, no one should leave plastic bags, bottles or water containers behind."

TOOM JAIDEE

Grocer

"

I don't like Songkran because some people mess up the old good tradition by splashing talcum powder and molesting women. If they celebrate politely, it's all right. Another thing I hate is drink driving. Actually, Songkran is a good tradition. It is refreshing and brings people together. It's a family occasion for everyone to meet and party. Rural people will go back home and enjoy the long holiday.

"To be friendly to the environment, there should be a campaign for people to use water from khan nam [small water buckets] or small water guns instead of hoses. That would be enough to make us cool. Another good choice is splashing water in public parks like what they do on Aksa road. We can have fun while watering trees at the same time."

CHALIDA YOOPAE

Cook

Next week: Every year, we Thais are presented with reports of terrifying accidents and death tolls following the festive Thai New Year of Songkran. Muse asks you if the number of road accidents and deaths will affect your decision to go for a vacation next year and why. Send your answer to muse@bangkokpost.co.th by April 15 and a little prize awaits the person who gives us our favourite answer.


Splendours of Songkran
By: PATSINEE KRANLERT
Songkran, the ancient tradition of splashing others with water, is without doubt a unique fun-filled festival which marks the beginning of the Thai New Year. Every region celebrates this auspicious occasion in its own way.



Below is a list of Songkran events that are taking place in different parts of the Kingdom.

NORTHERN REGION

Chiang Mai will woo visitors with grand celebrations from April 12-15 throughout the city which will be lit up by dazzling parades, cultural performances as well as art demonstrations. In Sukhothai, the celebrations take place within the compound of Si Satchanalai Historical Park during April 8-12 and inside Sukhothai Historical Park from April 12-14.

NORTHEASTERN REGION

Nong Khai is marking the occasion with a festival that runs from April 11-15 along the banks of the Mekong River, while a similar event in neighbouring Khon Kaen, is scheduled from April 8-15 along Si Chan or Khao Nieo road downtown.

Ubon Ratchathani will host the Thai-Indochina Food Festival at Thung Si Muang Park in the city centre from April 10-17, regaling visitors with an endless variety of dishes native to Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia, while Nakhon Phanom will mark Songkran with its own festival planned April 12-15 in Muang and Renu Nakhon districts, when visitors can pour scented water on the seven pagodas that symbolise each day of the week and attend other Buddhist rites.

CENTRAL REGION

Bangkok, the revelry starting April 10-15 revolves around the nine sacred temples around Rattanakosin Island and the Royal Plaza. The city administration has launched a campaign called ''Passport to Nine Royal Temples'' urging revellers to get their books or ''passports'' stamped with seals of temples they visit. ''Passports'' with seals of all nine temples entitle holders to a special souvenir from the Tourism Authority of Thailand. The books can be obtained at the temples.

Meanwhile, the Mon community of Phra Pradaeng in Samut Prakan will hold a festival April 17-19 in front of the district office. Organised in traditional Mon style, on the cards are a colourful procession, folk plays and various forms of entertainment.

EASTERN REGION

Chon Buri plans festivities April 16-17 along the beach in Muang district featuring folk plays, games, sports and a contest involving the building of sand pagodas on the beach. The action then moves to Lan Pho public park in Na Klua during April 18-19 and to Ko Loi public park in Si Racha from April 19-21.

SOUTHERN REGION

Hat Yai plans midnight festivities on Niphat Uthit 3, Sanehanusorn and Thammanoon Withi roads from April 10-13, and Nakhon Si Thammarat from April 11-15 at Wat Phra Boromthat temple, Si Thamma Sokarat Park, Sanam Na Muang, Phra Isuan Hall and Phra Narai Hall. The festival includes paying respect to relics of Lord Buddha, a procession and bathing rites for the Phra Buddha Sihing image, merit-making activities, cultural performances and food fair.

Contact the TAT's at 1672 for further details.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/travel/travelnews/14417/splendours-of-songkran