The date of
the festival was originally set by astrological calculation, but it is now
fixed. Songkran falls in the hottest time of the year in Thailand, at the end
of the dry season. Songkran has traditionally been celebrated as the New Year
for many centuries. It is now observed nationwide, even in the far south.
However, the most famous Songkran celebrations are still in the northern city
of Chiang Mai, where it continues for six days and even longer. It has also
become a party for foreigners and an additional reason for many to visit
Thailand for immersion in another culture.
April 13th Wan Sangkhan Lohng. People clean their houses
and prepare for the new year festival on this day. The Chiangmai Songkran
parade traditionally takes place on this day involving revered Buddha images
from the city's temples, floats, representative groups from the various
districts of Chiangmai province, musicians, and traditionally costumed beauties
all of whom are liberally drenched all along the parade route by the
spectators.
At our place we have / celebrate Rod Nam Dam Hua (During the Songkran
festival, the Lanna people will conduct the Su Ma Karawa ceremony in order to
apologize to elders for all the bad deeds they have done to them, either
intentionally or unintentionally, to show their gratitude and respect. This
ceremony is called Rod Nam Dam Hua, which usually begins on the first day of
the incoming year.) and Offering food to monks on the morning.
Small molded sand Chedis are build on our location. Please see the attached
photo.
April 14th Wan Nao. On Wan Nao people prepare
cooked and preserved food to be used in Buddhist merit making on the next day.
On this day people also go down to the Ping River to collect buckets of sand
which is used to construct molded sand chedis, decorated with cut paper streamers
and flowers, in the temple compound. When demolished, the sand from the chedis
raises the level of the temple courtyard.
April 15th Wan Payawan. On this, the first day of the new year, people
gathered at the wat in the early morning to offer the food prepared the
previous day, fruit, new robes, and other goods to the monks. Traditionally
this was the day when subdued water play started, but this has devolved to the
exuberant water throwing that stretches over the four days of the festival.
April 16th Wan Park Bpee. On this day people pay respect to their
ancestors, elders, or people worthy of respect due to advanced age or position.
Scented water is poured over the hands of the individuals being paid respect
who in turn bless the participants in the ceremony.
Happy Songkran!
Frans Captijn
Host / Catalyst / Talenteer at Captijn Insight
Captijn Insight: “Catalyst in your process to new sustainable flow. Whether you are an individual, couple, team or an organization.”
captijninsight@gmail.com
Host / Catalyst / Talenteer at Captijn Insight
Captijn Insight: “Catalyst in your process to new sustainable flow. Whether you are an individual, couple, team or an organization.”
captijninsight@gmail.com
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