The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration officially opened the ‘Songkran Festival: Happiness and Joy in the Style of Thainess’, which is being held from 12-15 April, 2015, from 16.00-21.00 hrs. at Sanam Luang. The four-day event emphasises centuries-old rituals and traditions, as well as shares the Thai way of happiness through daily cultural performances and Thai traditional dance flash mob.
Throughout four days, Bangkok’s Songkran Festival: Happiness and Joy in the Style of Thainess at Sanam Luang will be filled with joyous and meaningful traditions and ceremonies that reflect the unique essence of Thainess.
Local and international revellers can take part in the daily ritual to purify Buddha images with scented water, and to join the Rod Nam Dum Hua ritual or the custom of pouring scented water on the hand of elders’ (people above 60 years old) to show respect and seek their New Year blessings. Everyone is also invited to enjoy cultural performances, such as, Thai classical mask dances, puppet show, and ancient Thai martial art – Muay Tab Chak, as well as taking part in the good-natured water play of the Songkran Festival.
In addition, everyone is invited to visit temples on Rattanakosin Island or Bangkok’s old quarters, and also to join sub-district Songkran Festivals; such as, in the Wisut Kasat and Bang Lampu areas. Any visitors who pay homage to Buddha’s relics at all five temples of Wat Phra Chetuphon (Wat Pho), Wat Bovorn Nivet, Wat Sraket, Wat Mahanparam, and Wat Mahathat, and get their leaflets stamped, can claim a special gift at Sanam Luang, where authorities are giving out a total of 700 pieces of gift item per day.
Credit and view full story at TAT News
