Page 6 - จุลสาร 179 บุญสงกรานต์

Vol. 179 Ratanapanya’s news letter
6
“Songkran Festival”

Thailand has a fascinating and multifaceted culture in
accordance with its lifestyles and diverse geographic and envi-
ronmental orientations. Thais are fortunate to have customs and
traditions to celebrate every month. In April, the songkran tradi-
tion, known as Thai Traditional New Year, is celebrated.
Songkran is a celebration that embraces goodwill, love,
compassion, and thankfulness, using water as the means of ex-
pression. Songkran festival has been celebrated in Bangkok and

several regions in Thailand as well as in Southern China, Myan-
mar, Laos, and Cambodia.
The word songkran is derived from Sanskrit and means
to move or step forward. The first day of Songkran takes place
when the sun moves from Pisces into Aries, which marks the
New Year’s Day according to the Brahmin solar calendar.
The festival of Songkran is from 13 to 15 April every

year. The first day is known as Maha Songkran or the grand
Songkran. Thai government has declared the Songkran Festival
an extended public holiday to enable people to return to their
hometown and reunite with others in their community.
In addition, the government also designated 13 April the
Day of the Senior or Elderly. The occasion marks the apprecia-
tion for the senior population for their years of contribution to
the family and country, and 14 April is Family Day to celebrate
family love and togetherness.

(http://ichcourier.ichcap.org/en/thai-traditional-new-year-songkran-)
April 14 2019; “Songkran Festival Ceremony”
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