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Festivity
- Thai New Year |
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New
Year occurs on different days in different countries
follow Buddhism.
The traditional Thai New Year is known as Songkran
which is celebrated every year from April
13 to April 15. The word Songkran is from
the Sanskrit meaning
the beginning of
a new Solar Year, but nowadays
Thailand celebrates the New
Year on December 31st.
The most obvious celebration of Songkran is the
throwing of water.
It is also known as the "Water
Festival" as people believe
that water will wash away bad luck.
People roam the streets with containers
of water or water guns, or post themselves
at the side of roads with a garden
hose and drench each other and passersby.
This, however, was not always the main activity
of this festival. Songkran was traditionally a
time to visit and pay respects
to elders, including family members, friends
and neighbors. Thais keep wishing
Sawatdee pi Maï, Happy New Year
to all the people they come across on that day.
The food items like Khao
Chae, a rice dish,
Gaeng Kiew Wahn Gai, chicken
with green curry, Krayasad,
a mixture made from puffed
rice, peanuts, oats
and Thai noodles, Kanom Krok, coconut rice, Kanom
Tom, sticky rice and Pad Thai Noodles are
some of the delicacies are cooked and served on
the occasion of Thai New Year.
Having some similarities with Holi festival of
India, Songkran is also celebrated in countries
like Myanmar, Laos and Sri
Lanka.
All over Thailand, colourful and splendid processions,
a Miss Songkran contest, folk dances, and traditional
games are held. During the afternoon of
the 13th, Buddha images
are bathed as part of the ceremony, and
young people pour scented water
into the hands of elders and parents as a mark
of respect, while seeking the blessing of the
older people.
Some people make New
Year resolutions - to refrain
from bad behavior, or to do good things. Songkran
is a time for cleaning and renewal.
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