| NORTHERN THAILAND |
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SONGRKAN THAI NEW YEAR IN CHIANG MAI
Featuring Lanna Thai New Year celebrations and festivities
Throughout the northern capital of Chiang Mai, at temples, the city gates and around the city moat
APRIL 11 - 15, 2006
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| CENTRAL THAILAND |
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SONGKRAN FESTIVAL IN THE ANCIENT CAPITAL OF AYUTTHAYA
APRIL 13 - 15, 2006
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SONGKRAN FESTIVAL AT THE BANG SAI ROYAL FOLK ART & CRAFTS CENTRE
APRIL 13- 15, 2006
Tel: In Bangkok: +66 (0) 2225 8165 - 68 Ext. 460
Tel: In Ayutthaya: +66 (0) 3536 6092 |
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‘ANCIENT CITY’ GRAND SONGKRAN OF THE FOUR REGIONS
APRIL 12- 16, 2006
At the Ancient City (Muang Boran)
Contact information:
Bangkok Office:
78/1 Democracy Monument cycle, Ratchadamnoen
Avenue, Bangkok 10200, Thailand.
Tel: +66 (0) 2224 1057, 2226 1936
Fax:+66 (0) 2226 1227
Samut Prakan Office:
KM 33 (old) Sukhumvit Road,
Bangpoo, Muang District,
Samut Prakan Province
Tel: +66 (0) 2323 9253
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RATCHABURI LAO SONGKRAN FESTIVAL
APRIL 15 – 17, 2006
At Wat Ban Singh, Tambon Ban Singh sub-district, Amphoe Potharam district,
Ratchaburi province
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SONGKRAN FESTIVAL AND THAI RAMAN FLAG CEREMONY IN PHRA PRADAENG, SAMUT PRAKARN PROVINCE
APRIL 22 - 23, 2006 |
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| THE EASTERN SEABOARD |
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CHON BURI BANG SAEN SONGKRAN SAND-STUPA BUILDING FESTIVAL
APRIL 16-17, 2006
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‘WAN LAI’ SONGKRAN CUSTOMS IN PATTAYA, CHON BURI
APRIL 18 – 19, 2006
Pattaya Beach near Wat Chaimongkon, South Pattaya
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SI MAHARAJA SONGKRAN FESTIVAL, CHON BURI PROVINCE
APRIL 19 - 21, 2006
At Koh Loi Park, Si Racha district, Chon Buri province |
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| NORTHEASTERN THAILAND |
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I-SAN GRAND SONGKRAN: DOK KHUN-SIANG KHAEN FESTIVAL &
STICKY RICE WALKING STREET (Thanon Khao Neow), KHON KAEN PROVINCE
APRIL 8 - 15, 2006
At Bueng Kaan Nakhon Cultural Centre and Srichan Road (also known as Thanon Khao Neow) |
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NONG KHAI THAI-LAO GRAND SONGKRAN FESTIVAL
IN NONG KHAI PROVINCE
APRIL 6 - 18, 2006
Hat Chommanee beach by the Mekong River and Wat Pochai |
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NAKHON PHANOM GRAND SONGKRAN FESTIVAL
APRIL 13 - 15, 2006
At Hat Sai Thong Srikotabun beach by the Mekong River and Phra That Phanom stupa |
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| SOUTHERN THAILAND |
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MIDNIGHT SONGKRAN FESTIVAL IN HAT YAI
APRIL 11 - 13, 2006
Along Niphon Uthit Road, Sanehhanusorn Road, Hat Yai district, Songkhla province |
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NAKHON SI THAMMARAT GRAND SONGKRAN
APRIL 11 – 15, 2006
At Suan Sridhammasokraj park, Sanam Na Muang and Phra Isuan Hall,
Nakhon Si Thammarat city centre,
Nakhon Si Thammarat province |
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SONGKRAN WATER FESTIVAL ON THE BEACH
APRIL 13 – 15, 2006
Patong Beach, Phuket |
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For more information, please visit www.songkran.net
AN INTRODUCTION TO SONGKRAN
Please click to view
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF SONGKRAN:
ORIGINS OF THE FESTIVAL
& THE CULTURAL VALUES BEHIND SONGKRAN
Please click to view |
APRIL 11 - 15, 2006
SONGRKAN THAI NEW YEAR IN CHIANG MAI
Featuring Lanna Thai New Year celebrations and festivities at temples, the city gates and around the city moat throughout the northern capital of Chiang Mai,
Highlights and Activities
- Phra Buddha Sihing procession
- Buddha images bathing ritual
- Merit-making activities and presentation of offerings to Buddhist monks
- The release of fish and birds in observance of ancient Buddhist merit-making customs
- ‘Rod nam dum hua’ bathing rituals as a gesture of respect to elderly relatives and other respected individuals
- Lanna Thai cultural performances and folk games
- Sand-stupa building contest
- Songkran water-splashing
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One of the best places to experience Songkran is in Chiang Mai, where it is celebrated on a grand scale with a flavour uniquely and entirely its own, attracting visitors from far and wide.
This year, Songkran Thai New Year festivities scheduled for April 11-15, will be held at temples, in the vicinity of the city’s gates and around the city moat.
Devout Buddhists visit the temple for merit-making and to listen to sermons. Lustral water is sprinkled on sacred Buddha images, such as the Phra Buddha Sihing image, and also poured over the hands of monks in a gesture of reverence. Donations are also made to the temple. Enjoy traditional Thai cultural performances held in the temple ground.
One of the highlights of the festival is the 'Songkran Beauty Queen Procession' that takes place on Songkran Day itself - April 13. Meanwhile, many other events leading up to the main attraction are spread over several days and it is here that the visitor gets to see various aspects of Chiang Mai, first hand, — its culture, cuisine, arts and crafts, as well as the friendly people.
Contact information:
TAT Northern Office - Region 1
Tel: +66 (0) 5324 8604, (0) 5324 8607, (0) 5324 1466
Fax: +66 (0) 5324 8605
E-mail: tatchmai@tat.or.th
APRIL 13 - 15, 2006
SONGKRAN FESTIVAL IN THE ANCIENT CAPITAL OF AYUTTHAYA
From April 13-15, the Grand Songkran celebrations will be held at various sites around the island city of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya – the ancient capital of Ayutthaya.
Songkran or Thai New Year festivities will feature ancient customs and traditions of Songkran that have been observed through the centuries.
Highlights and Activities
- Merit-making activities at nine sacred temples
Offerings are presented to Buddhist monks on the morning of April 13
- Bathing ritual of Buddha images at temples throughout Ayutthaya
- The release of fish and birds in observance of ancient Buddhist merit-making customs
- The building of sand stupas and other merit-making activities
- Scented lustral water is poured over the hands of elders and individuals held in high esteem in a gesture of respect
- Grand Songkran Procession
- Miss Songkran beauty contest
- Miss Songkran Parade
- Water-splashing
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Contact information:
TAT Central Region Office - Region 6
Tel: +66 (0) 3524 6076, (0) 3524 6077
E-mail: tatyutya@tat.or.th APRIL 15 – 17, 2006
RATCHABURI LAO SONGKRAN FESTIVAL
At Wat Ban Singh, Tambon Ban Singh sub-district, Amphoe Potharam district,
Ratchaburi province
Several communities in Ratchaburi province are home to descendants of Lao Wiang ethnic origin who continue to perform rituals and ceremonies to celebrate Songkran in accordance with ancient traditions and customs.
Highlights and Activities
- The day after New Year’s Day, community residents participate in a floral procession to present floral offerings to temples
- Bathing ritual of Buddha images at temples
- Merit-making activities
Scented lustral water is poured over monks in a bathing ritual
- Ancestor worship rituals are performed.
- Scented lustral water is poured over the hands of elders and individuals held in high esteem in a gesture of respect
- Folk games and sports
- Pad Thai stir-friend noodles prepared in a giant wok
- Thai boxing
- Miss Lao Wiang Songkran parade and beauty contest
- Musical concerts (free admission)
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Contact information:
TAT Central Region Office – Region 2
Areas of responsibility: Petchaburi (Cha-am), Ratchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan
Tel: +66 (0) 3247 1005, (0) 3247 1502
Fax: +66 (0) 3247 1502
E-mail: tatphet@tat.or.th APRIL 22 - 23, 2006
SONGKRAN FESTIVAL AND THAI RAMAN FLAG CEREMONY IN PHRA PRADAENG, SAMUT PRAKARN PROVINCE
Highlights and Activities
- Songkran traditions of the Ramen community: The Thai Raman Flag Ceremony and traditional Raman games such as 'saba', a pitch and toss game played with beans
- Miss Songkran Beauty Queen (Paklat) Parade and Contest
- Floral floats parade
- Procession of Raman maidens
- Raman dances
- Boat races
- Bathing ritual of Buddha images at temples
- The release of fish and birds in observance of ancient Buddhist merit-making customs
- Paying respect to elders and respected individuals
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The Phra Pradaeng Songkran Festival differs from others in that it is held a little later than in most other locales. The Songkran rituals and celebrations here are held on the Sunday that follows after Songkran Day on April 13. Hence in 2006, the festival falls on April 22 – 23.
Ancient traditions are still being observed and is a source of pride passed on to future generations.
THAI-RAMAN FLAG CEREMONY
Each village makes its own centipede flag, which is carried in a ceremonial flag procession along the road to be draped on the swan pillars at various temples. The flag, the symbol of the Thai-Raman people, is of Buddhist significance and incorporates the spirit of unity.
SABA
A demonstration of traditional Raman games such as saba, a pitch and toss game played with beans. Various indigenous games of Thai-Raman origin being staged in designated villages from 08.30 to midnight during the festival period.
In Bonsaba, a traditional Raman games, young Raman lads and lasses engage in a lively dialogue, accompanied by song and dance. This is a quaint custom, which is now rarely witnessed.
ORIGINS OF THE PHRA PRADAENG SONGKRAN FESTIVAL
The Phra Pradaeng Songkran Festival, formerly known as the 'Pak Lat Songkran Festival', was similar to Songkran celebrated in the other regions of the country, with the notable addition of a colourful and elaborate Songkran procession staged by the Mon, or Raman, residents of Phra Pradaeng.
The highlight of the festival is a grand procession of floral floats carrying beautiful maidens dressed in a traditional Mon, or Raman, costume. Each holds a fish bowl in one hand and a bird cage in the other. Other maidens, accompanied by men dressed in traditional Raman costume of sarong and round-necked shirt and sash (the costume is called "choot loy chai"), walk in front of the 'Songkran beauty queen'. The fish and birds are released as an act of merit to ward off bad luck and bring prosperity.
Each year the Phra Pradaeng Songkran parade features between 10 to 20 processions. Each procession is made up of a Songkran vehicle decorated with beautiful flowers. The vehicle of the lead procession transports the incumbent Miss Songkran surrounded by her entourage. She is seated and holds a replica of the severed head of the Lord Tao Maha Songkran. The procession also includes a file of graceful girls dressed in traditional Thai-Raman costumes. Some of them hold a fishbowl; others hold a birdcage and the remainder walk ahead of the Songkran vehicle. They in turn are flanked by Raman youths dressed in Choot Loy Chai costumes, consisting of a sarong, round-necked shirt and scarf which is worn with the tails dangling behind. The men's job is to ensure that everything goes smoothly.
The procession of the Tao Maha Songkran "head" is a unique aspect of the Phra Padaeng Songkran celebrations. According to ancient beliefs, there was once a kind and benevolent god who cared greatly for mankind. His name was Tao Maha Songkran. He had seven daughters, each one a goddess representing a day of the week. The annual Miss Songkran winner is seen holding the head of Lord Tao Maha Songkran, (also known as Tao Mahapraphrom) - a gesture believed to bring good fortune to mankind.
Noted for the continued preservation of ancient customs and traditions, the Songkran festival at Phra Pradaeng is no less of an attraction and draws local and overseas tourists alike.
Contact information:
Phra Pradaeng Municipality
Please contact the Education Section
Tel: +66 (0) 463 4841 Ext. 129-130
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APRIL 16 - 17, 2006
CHON BURI BANG SAEN SONGKRAN SAND-STUPA BUILDING FESTIVAL
On the beach in Bang Saen, Siracha district, Chon Buri province
The Songkran celebrations in the Saensuk district Chon Buri province are of particular interest as the festivities reflect the local culture and environment. With no shortage of sand to build sand-stupas, the stupa building contest is a predominant element of the Songkran festivities in Chon Buri.
Residents of the each of the villages in the district gather together to take part in community Buddhist merit-making. Monks are invited to conduct merit-making ceremonies and rituals, whilst local residents present merit-making offerings and sprinkle scented lustral water on Buddha images in a Songkran Thai New Year bathing ritual. Families pay respect to elderly relatives and other respected individuals by pouring scented lustral water over the hands.
Festival highlights include the 'Kong Kao' religious ritual, rarely seen folk games and traditional Thai sports, cockfighting - a popular local sport, the Siracha Miss Songkran beauty pageant and Siracha Songkran Parade.
Contact information:
TAT Central Region Office: Region 3
Tel: +66 (0) 3842 7667, (0) 3842 8750
Fax: +66 (0) 3842 9113
E-mail: tatchon@tat.or.th |
APRIL 18 - 19, 2006
‘WAN LAI’ SONGKRAN CUSTOMS IN PATTAYA, CHON BURI
At Wat Chaimongkon, South Pattaya; Pattaya beach and other sites around Pattaya
Except the building of sand stupas on the beach and the local landscape, Songkran Thai New Year rituals and celebrations in Pattaya are similar to those performed in other parts of the country.
Highlights and Activities
- The building of sand stupas
- Bathing ritual of Buddha images at temples
- Scented lustral water is poured over the hands of elders and individuals held in high esteem in a gesture of respect
- Traditional Songkran Parade
- Cultural presentations and performances
- Miss Songkran beauty contest
- Water-splashing
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Contact information:
TAT Central Region Office: Region 3
Tel: +66 (0) 3842 7667, (0) 3842 8750
Fax: +66 (0) 3842 9113
E-mail: tatchon@tat.or.th APRIL 19 - 21, 2006
SI MAHARAJA SONGKRAN FESTIVAL IN CHON BURI PROVINCE
At Koh Loi Park, Sriracha district, Chon Buri province
Highlights and Activities
- The observance of the ‘kong kao’ religious ritual and other customs related to the celebration of the Thai New Year
- Bathing ritual of Buddha images at temples
- Procession of Buddha images
- The building of sand stupas
- Light-and-sound presentation
- Thai cultural performances and folk games
- Sales of local food and desserts
- Miss Songkran beauty contest
- Water-splashing
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Contact information:
TAT Central Region Office: Region 3
Tel: +66 (0) 3842 7667, (0) 3842 8750
Fax: +66 (0) 3842 9113
E-mail: tatchon@tat.or.th APRIL 8 - 15, 2006
I-SAN GRAND SONGKRAN: DOK KHUN-SIANG KHAEN FESTIVAL &
STICKY RICE WALKING STREET (Thanon Khao Neow), KHON KAEN PROVINCE
At Bueng Kaen Nakhon Cultural Centre and
Si Chan Road (also known as Khao Neow Road)
Highlights and Activities
- Procession of floral floats
- I-San food contest
- Cultural performances
- Traditional palaeng I-san style set dinner
- Miss Songkran beauty queen contest
- Sales of local products made by the various sub-districts (tambon) of Khon Kaen under the One Tambon One Product (OTOP) campaign
- Water-splashing
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As part of the traditional Songkran Thai new year merit-making ceremonies in Khon Kaen province, the locals perform bathing rituals to pay homage to revered Buddha images and shrines, present merit-making offerings to monks and pay respect to elders by pouring lustral water over their hands in a bathing ritual. The rest of the Grand Songkran holidays are filled with festive fun with hours of friendly water-splashing, Miss Songkran beauty pageants and a variety of uptempo traditional Northeastern folk entertainment.
Contact information:
TAT Northeastern Office: Region 3
Tel: +66 (0) 4324 4498, (0) 4324 4499
Fax: +66 (0) 4324 4497
E-mail: tatkhkn@tat.or.th
APRIL 6 - 18, 2006
NONG KHAI THAI-LAO GRAND SONGKRAN FESTIVAL
IN NONG KHAI PROVINCE
At Wat Pho Chai temple and Hat Chomani beach near the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge that spans the Mekong River
Highlights and Activities
- Procession of Luang Phor Phra Sai from Wat Pho Chai
- Buddha images bathing rituals
- Thai-Lao Songkran celebrations
- The "bai sri soo kwan" ritual to bring good luck and ward off evil
- The sprinkling of lustral water to seek the blessing of elders
- Sand-stupa building contests
- Local cultural performances
- Miss Songkran Beauty Queen Contests on both banks of the Mekong River
- Miss Songkran Beauty Queen Procession
- Boat races, folk sports, beach sports, activities and contests along the banks of the river
- Stalls offering souvenirs and local products made in Nong Khai
- Nong Khai Souvenir Contest
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With the neighbouring country of Lao PDR on the opposite bank of the Mekong River, Songkran celebrations in the northeastern province of Nong Khai is a combined Thai-Lao Songkran festival, with rituals, cultural performances, folk games and cuisine, reflecting a shared heritage.
The procession of the Luang Pho Sai Buddha image is a long-standing tradition which is still being observed till this day.
Contact information:
TAT Northeastern Office - Region 5 (Udon Thani)
Tel: +66 (0) 4232 5406, (0) 4232 5407
Fax: +66 (0) 4232 5408
E-mail: tatudon@tat.or.th
APRIL 13 - 15, 2006
NAKHON PHANOM GRAND SONGKRAN FESTIVAL
Hat Sai Tong Sikotrabun, Nakhon Phanom city centre
Wat Phra That Phanom Voramaviharn stupa, Renu Nakhon district
Highlights and Activities
Buddhist bathing rituals are performed in accordance with ancient customs and traditions. Scented lustral water is sprinkled over sacred sites such as the 2,000-year old Phra That Phanom stupa – the most sacred and ancient monument of the Northeast and the landmark of Nakhon Phanom, holy footprints of Lord Buddha, temples, Buddha images as well as monks in a gesture of reverence. Religious rituals include the building of sand stupas and the tying of sacred string around the Phra That Phanom stupa. Folk games and traditional I-san folk performances create a colourful festive ambience.
Contact information:
TAT Northeastern Office – Region 4
Tel: +66 (0) 4251 3490 – 1
Fax: +66 (0) 4251 3492
E-mail: tatphnom@tat.or.th
APRIL 11 - 13, 2006
MIDNIGHT SONGKRAN FESTIVAL IN HAT YAI
Along Nipat Uthit Road 2 and 3, Hat Yai district
Highlights and Activities
- Miss Songkran procession
- Folk sports and games
- International Miss Songkran beauty contest
- Stage drama and stage performances
- Ponglang Sa-on
- Midnight Songkran Celebrations and water-splashing
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Contact information:
TAT Southern Office: Region 1 (in Hat Yai)
Tel: +66 (0) 7424 3747, (0) 7423 8518
E-mail: tatsghkl@tat.or.th APRIL 11 – 13, 2006
NAKHON SI THAMMARAT GRAND SONGKRAN
At the Phra Isuan-Phra Narai Hall, Ratchadamnern Road
Wat Sema Muang temple
Suan Sridhammasokraj, Nakhon Si Thammarat city centre,
Nakhon Si Thammarat province
Highlights and Activities
- Merit-making in the morning at Sanam Na Muang and Wat Phra That Voramahaviharn temple. Offerings are presented to Buddhist monks.
- Bathing ritual of the Phra Buddha Sihing Buddha image
- Miss Songkran Procession
- Nang Kradan Procession
- Mini Light-and-Sound presentation
- A demonstration of the ‘swing ceremony’ to welcome Phra Isuan
- Tales of Likor
- Cultural and folk performances
- Shopping for local food and desserts
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Nakhon Si Thammarat has been a centre for Buddhism and culture in Southern Thailand since ancient times. The province is dotted with many architectural treasures, some centuries old, a testament to its long history. The Phra Boromathat Nakhon Si Thammarat, the main wat or temple, houses the presiding Buddha image known as the Phra Buddha Singh.
For hundreds of years, it has been the tradition to pour lustral water onto this image during the fifth month of the Thai calendar. The present-day Songkran Festival has evolved from this practice. A procession escorting the Phra Singh Buddha image from the Provincial Hall to Tung Tha Lat; the Phra Singh Buddha image is bathed with lustral waters. Respect is show to elderly folk by pouring lustral waters over their hands.
Contact information:
TAT Southern Office: Region 2 (in Nakhon Si Thammarat)
Tel: +66 (0) 7534 6515, (0) 7534 6516
Fax: +66 (0) 7534 6517
E-mail: tatnksri@tat.or.th
APRIL 13 – 15, 2006
SONGKRAN WATER FESTIVAL ON THE BEACH
Patong Beach, Phuket
Celebrate the Songkran Thai New Year by the beach.
Highlights and Activities
- Procession of the Phra Buddha Sihing image
- Songkran parade
- Little Miss Songkran beauty contest
- Water-splashing by the beach
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Contact information:
TAT Southern Office – Region 4
Tel: +66 (0) 7621 1036, (0) 7621 2213, (0) 7621 7138
Fax: +66 (0) 7621 3852
E-mail: tatphket@tat.or.th For more information, please visit www.songkran.net
AN INTRODUCTION TO SONGKRAN
Please click to view
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF SONGKRAN:
ORIGINS OF THE FESTIVAL
& THE CULTURAL VALUES BEHIND SONGKRAN
Please click to view
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