Apr 23, 2007

Thailand's Water Festival

I've often thought the Thais are lucky to have 3 New Year's to celebrate, and as the Thais love parties and will celebrate at the drop of a hit, the Western New Year in January, followed by the Chinese New Year in February and then the Thai New Year in April, are all events the country looks forward to.

Their own New Year, the Thai Songkran, is the most popular however, allowing the gods of misrule to take charge and giving the people permission to behave like children, throwing buckets of ice-cold water over each other - and you. I've missed the April 13th - 15th festival this year but I shall be there again in 2008.

Songkran was originally a gentle and traditional religious event during which water was sprinkled as a symbol of purification and as an act of worship to the Rice Goddess and the ancestral, ground and water spirits. It takes place in the driest and hottest time of the year so the Thais not only celebrate and party, invoking good omens for the coming rains and thus ensuring a good harvest, but tthey take the opportunity to cool off in the most fun way possible.

This unique cultural festival is also a time for special foods, involving rice in some form,. The day usually begins with an early morning ceremony at the temple when alms are offered to the monks. Later, at home, family members come together to pay their resects to the elders in the family when scented, petal strewn waters are gently poured over the old people's hands. The elders in return, then wish the younger generation good luck and prosperity (these days sometimes accompanied by a small gift).

These older customs of Songkran usually take place in the morning, followed by a big family lunch when favourite foods and delicacies are consumed. Afterwards, the fun starts. Even the revered monks are not immune from being drenched in water, as it is considered a sign of respect to include them in the melee.

This once simple act has now developed into a fully-blown celebration that has become a major tourist attraction during April. Chiang Mai and the Khao San Road, Bangkok, the famous back-packers stop,are two places that tourists should avolid if they do not wish to take part in these watery events. Things are inclined to get out of hand more in those places than elsewhere, with giant pressurised water pistols being a favourite weapon. Young Thais prowl the streets looking for victims, on foot, on the back sof motor cycles, or on pickup trucks. Leave mobile phones behind in the hotel and only carry a camera if it is waterproof or if sealed in a strong plastic bag.

But if next April you are in Thailand - just brave the streets and enjoy one of the great fun days that country has to offer.