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THE GRAND LANNA CIVILISATION SONGKRAN FESTIVAL
Chiang Mai, Thailand
APRIL 2 – 15, 2004
SHARED HERITAGE OF THE MEKONG BASIN
The countries of the Greater Mekong Subregion – particularly those that border the provinces of Thailand that were historically a part of the Lanna or Northern Thai kingdom comprising the provinces of Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lampang, Lamphun, Phayao, Phrae, Nan and Mae Hong Son – namely Laos, Myanmar, and Yunnan in Southern China – have long shared a common culture and heritage.
The Songkran Thai New Year Water Festival and its Burmese counterpart, the Thingyan New Year Water Festival is one such example. Sharing a common border demarcated by the Mekong River, Thailand and Lao PDR have also been celebrating Thai-Lao Buddhist celebrations for centuries.
The Grand Lanna Civilisation Songkran Festival presents a perfect opportunity to re-discover and celebrate the cultural magnificence of these ancient civilizations established along the length of the mighty Mekong River.
HIGHLIGHTS
APRIL 2 – 15, 2004
THE GRAND LANNA CIVILISATION
GRAND SONGKRAN FESTIVAL
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Activities at the “Grand Lanna Civilisation, Songkran Festival”
- Opening ceremony
Date: Friday, 2 April, 2004.
Time: 17.00 - 20.00 hrs.
Venue: Nong Buak Hat Public Park
- Cultural processions of 8 Lanna provinces and 5 countries in the Mekong Subregion.
Date: Saturday, 10 April, 2004.
Time: 16.30 - 20.00 hrs.
The processions will begin at The Wing 41, Sanam Bin Road heading to Chaeng Ku Hueang, entering through Suan Dok Gate. The end of the processions will be at Nong Buak Hat Public Park. The principle ceremony will take place in front of Nong Buak Hat Public Park at 18.30 hrs.
- The musical fountain show entitled The River of Friendship, Lanna Civilisation, and Cultures
Date: Friday 2 April Sunday, 15 April, 2004.
Time: The show will be performed once a day at 21.30 hrs.
Venue: On the bank of the Mae Ping River, in front of the Office of the Chiang Mai Municipality.
The Musical Fountain Show
Venue: Along the Chiang Mai City Moat.
Time: 12.00 - 21.30 hrs.
- Cultural presentations and demonstrations of the 5 Greater Mekong Sub-region countries and the group of the 8 upper northern provinces.
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The 8 upper northern provinces.
Date: Friday 2 April Sunday, 11 April, 2004.
Time: 17.00 - 22.00 hrs.
Venue: Nong Buak Hat Public Park. |
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The five Greater Mekong Sub-region countries.
Date: Friday 9 April Sunday, 11 April 2004.
Time: 17.00 - 22.00 hrs.
Venue: Nong Buak Hat Public Park. |
- Tourism trade and consumer fair.
Date: Friday 9 April Sunday, 11 April, 2004
Time: 16.00 - 22.00 hrs.
Venue: Nong Buak Hat Public Park.
- Exhibition of OTOP products from the 8 Lanna provinces.
Date: Friday 2 April Sunday, 11 April, 2004.
Time: 16.00 - 22.00 hrs.
Venue: Nong Buak Hat Public Park.
- Demonstration and sales of Grand Lanna cuisine and products
from the Royal Projects
Date: Friday 2 April Sunday, 11 April, 2004.
Time: 16.00 - 22.00 hrs.
Venue: Nong Buak Hat Public Park.
SONGKRAN FESTIVAL IN CHIANG MAI
APRIL 11 - 16, 2004
Venues :
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Wat Phra Singh Voramahaviharn Temple |
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Tha Phae Gate |
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Provincial Governor's residence |
FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS AND ACTIVITIES
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Buddha images bathing ritual |
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Merit-making activities and presentation of offerings to Buddhist monks |
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Lanna Thai cultural performances |
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Drum-beating contest
featuring the Klong Mong Cheung, the Sabatchai victory drums and the Klong Poo Chao |
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Traditional Lanna Thai way of life |
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Sand-Stupa Building Contest |
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Food Street with stalls offering Northern Thai delicacies on sale |
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Songkran water-splashing |
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 the festivities, scheduled for April 11-15, 2004, are centred around the Wat Phra Singh Voramahaviharn Temple and in the vicinity of the Tha Phae Gate and the Provincial Governor's residence.
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 (in Chiang Mai)
E-mail : tatchmai@tat.or.th
Tel: 0-5324-8604, 0-5324-8607, 0-5324-1466
Fax: 0-5324-8605
SONGKRAN FESTIVAL IN THE ANCIENT CAPITAL OF AYUTTHAYA
APRIL 13 - 15, 2004
From April 13-15, 2004, the Grand Songkran celebrations in the ancient capital of Ayutthaya will be held in the forecourt of the Sala Phra Ram (Bueng Phra Ram) pavilion, in the front of the TAT Central Region Office - Region 6, and at the Viharn Phra Mongkol Bophit.
The Songkran or Thai New Year festivities will feature the ancient customs and traditions of Songkran that have been observed through the centuries.
FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS AND ACTIVITIES
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Merit-making activities with offerings being presented to the Buddhist monks on the morning of April 13. |
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A Grand Songkran Procession |
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Miss Songkran Beauty Pageant |
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Miss Songkran Parade |
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Bathing ritual of Buddha images at temples throughout Ayutthaya |
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The release of fish and birds |
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The building of sand stupas and other merit-making activities |
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Water-splashing |
Contact information:
TAT Central Region Office - Region 6
Tel: 0-3524-6076, 0-3524-6077
E-mail: tatyutya@tat.or.th
THE BANG SAI ROYAL FOLK ART & CRAFTS CENTRE
Tel: In Bangkok: +66-(0)-2225 - 8165 to 68 Ext. 460
Tel: In Ayutthaya: +66 3536-6092
SONGKRAN FESTIVAL IN PHRA PRADAENG IN SAMUT PRAKARN PROVINCE
AND THAI RAMAN FLAG CEREMONY
APRIL 18 - 20, 2004
FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS AND ACTIVITIES
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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 |
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Miss Songkran Beauty Queen (Paklat) Parade and Contest |
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Raman dances |
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A floral float parade |
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The making of "galamae", a famous Phra Pradaeng sweet |
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 2004, the festival falls on April 18 - 20.
Ancient traditions are still being observed and is a source of pride passed on to future generations.
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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. |
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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 8.30 p.m. to 12 p.m. during the festival period
In the 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.
MIDNIGHT SONGKRAN FESTIVAL IN HAT YAI AND
SONGKHLA SONGKRAN FESTIVAL
APRIL 6 - 16, 2004
At Lee Garden Hotel, Sanehasorn Road and the Hat Yai Municipal Public Park, Amphoe Hat Yai and Thai Pavilion, Samila Beach, Songkhla province.
FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS AND ACTIVITIES
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Midnight Songkran Celebrations in Hat Yai |
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Miss Songkran pageant and Miss Songkran procession |
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Buddha Images Bathing Ritual |
Contact information:
TAT Southern Office: Region 1 (in Hat Yai)
Tel: 0-7424-3747, 0-7423-8518
E-mail: tatsghkl@tat.or.th
SONGKRAN FESTIVAL IN NAKHON SI THAMMARAT PROVINCE
APRIL 12 - 14, 2004
At the Phra Isuan and Phra Narai Hall
Ratchadamnern Road
Nakhon Si Thammarat Province
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Merit-making activities. Offerings are made to Buddhist monks. |
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Bathing of the Phra Buddha Sihing Buddha image |
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Miss Songkran Procession |
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Nang Kradan Procession |
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Cultural and folk performances |
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: 0-7534 6515, 0-7534 6516
Fax: 0-7534 6517
E-mail: tatnksri@tat.or.th
SONGKRAN FESTIVAL IN NONG KHAI
APRIL 13 - 15, 2004
At Wat Pho Chai temple and
Hat Chomani beach near the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge that spans the Mekong River
FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS AND ACTIVITIES
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Procession of Luang Phor Phra Sai from Wat Pho Chai |
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Buddha images bathing rituals |
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Thai-Lao Songkran celebrations |
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The "bai sri soo kwan" ritual to bring good luck and ward off evil |
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The sprinkling of lustral water to seek the blessing of elders |
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Miss Songkran Beauty Queen Contests on both banks of the Mekong River |
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Miss Songkran Beauty Queen Procession |
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Sand-stupa building contests |
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Boat races |
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 (in Udon Thani)
Tel: 0-4232-5406, 0-4232-5407
Fax: Tel: 0-4232-5408
E-mail: tatudon@tat.or.th
CHON BURI SONGKRAN AND SAND-STUPA BUILDING FESTIVAL
APRIL 19, 2004
On the beach in Bang Saen, Siricha and Pattaya, Chon Buri province
The Songkran celebrations in Chon Buri province are of particular interest as the festivities reflect the local culture and environment. For example, with no shortage of sand to build sand-stupas, the sand-stupa building contest is a predominant element of the Songkran festivities in Chon Buri.
Other 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: 0-3842-7667, 0-3842-8750
Fax: 0-3842-9113
DOK KHUN SIANG KHAEN FESTIVAL
APRIL 8 - 15, 2004
Venues:
At Bueng Kaen Nakhon and Khao Neow Road
Khon Kaen Province
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: 0-4324-4498, 0-4324-4499
Fax: 0-4324-4497
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
BANGKOK RATTANAKOSIN ISLAND GRAND SONGKRAN FESTIVAL
APRIL 10 - 15, 2004
Please click to view |
