Made by Pichaya Jintanaphol G:102 New Year
Thai people have been celebrating “New year” on the 1st January as the first day of the year for almost 70 years. But in Thailand, there is a traditional New year known as “SongKran” , which celebrated on 13th April. How do Thai people celebrate New Year ?
The New Year is a long holiday from 31st December to 3rd January. For people who are away from their hometown, it is the time to go home and visit their family. A lot of people celebrate New year by attending countdown where there are concert and magnificent fireworks. Wat Arun,Bangkok Central world, Bangkok In Chaing Mai, northern capital of Thailand, one of the most notable being the candle –lit lantern ceremony. This is called Yi-Peng. Yi-Peng is a part of festival light in Northern Thailand to show respect to Buddha. People gather with a rank of different paper lanterns around the city before letting them go into the dark night sky. Chiang Mai A number of Thai people visit their local temple to make merit either on New Year’s Eve or new year’s day. Thai Buddhist make merit by giving alms to the monk, giving food or releasing bird or fish. There are a people, who will attend meditation retreats over a New year. SongKran
Songkran is the traditional Thai new year, it is also known as the “water splashing water”. It takes place over three days, April 13th- 15th. The Thai New year water plays consist of two principal parts: water and white powder. The white powder is placed on your face by other people out celebrating The throwing of water is the festival’s highlight. People are wearing Thai traditional dress on Songkran day History
The Songkran festival derives its name from Sanskrit word “Songkran”, meaning to move or pass into. The origins derive from the ancient India Festival of Makar Sankriti. History of the festival traditions originate with the blessings and prayers for Buddhist Monks. The holiday is known for its water festival.
Major street are closed and used as area for water fights. In this festival, people participate this tradition by splashing water on each other. All dress up in colorful clothing of Thai dress.
Other activities to do during SongKran festival
Cleaning house and public place such as temple, school and offices to welcome the NewYear with cleanliness and fresh start. Visiting local temples and offering alms to monks in dedication to the late ancestors, and releasing birds and fishes to their natural habitat. Water pouring on Buddha statues and onto elderly family members to show respect and to ask for their blessing.