Joyful Songkran festival
Due to our hot politic, this April seems to be hotter than last year. Luckily, the pleasant Songkran festival comes to alleviate our hot situation.Not only Thailand held this festival but also Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia, Sibsongpanna State in China and Srilanka.The word “Songkran” means move or change so this festival is the period that the sun moves close to our earth and all southeastern people regard this time as their new year. Moreover, this period is also the harvest season.India is the first country holding this festival before the end of the year but there wasn’t water war as today. After this festival spread over the Asia, water started to play the vital role in celebration, being the symbol of richness.There are three days for this festival :First day is called Songkran day, the last day of the year. People will clean their home to welcome the coming new year.Second day is Wan Nao. People will bathe the Buddha image and all children will Rod-nam-dum-hua (pour water on the hands of revered elders and ask for blessing) their parents. Furthermore, they believed that saying the rough word on that day will bring the bad luck.The last is Payawan Day, the beginning day of New Year. People will make merit for their happiness. In the north, they will bring a timber to prop the big tree for their long life. All male and female teenagers will water each other for removing all bad things. This is only one day that they will meet each other, doing activities at the temple together.Now this belief is still visible only in the up-country because most people put more importance on water war. Cold water and ice replace Num-ob (Thai perfume). Powder and …. are new Songkran charm. Water war at Kao Sarn Road in Bangkok, Road around Chiangmai moat, Kao Nheaw Road in Khon kaen reflex new Thai Songkarn lifestyle.Change can happen everywhere, it isn’t wrong. It is inevitable. It is the way the world turns. For some it’s good for it’s not. Still this festival is remains wonderful roots and charm.
