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Songkran is a Sanskrit word in Thai form which means the entry of the sun into any sign of the Zodiac. But the Songkran in this particular instance is when the sun enters the sign of Aries or the Ram. Its full name is Maha Songkran or Major Songkran to distinguish it from the other ones. But the people call it simply the Songkran for it is the only one they know and in which they take interest. It is their traditional New Year when they can enjoy their holidays to the full with no economic hindrance.
Songkran is a fixable feast on the solar calender. It begins on the 13th April and ends on the 15th April, but occasionally in certain years on the 16th April. The Songkran is in fact the celebration of the vernal equinox similar to those of the Indian Holi Festival, the Chinese Ching Ming, and the Christian Festival of Easter. The beginning of spring when the sun crosses the equator is now on the 21st of March which is due to the precession of the equinox.
The Songkran Festival is in a certain sense like April Fool's Day, when the maids of the village play pranks on any gallant who happens to pass by their way. He will be caught and bound by the united strength of the maids and they will daub him with blacking
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Colorful Water – Loi krathong Great Festival
“Loi Krathong” is traditionally performed on the
full moon night of the twelfth lunar month, which usually falls on some day in
November. The floating of a ‘Krathong' – a banana–leaf cup –
is intended to float away ill fortune as well as to express apologies to Khongkha
or Ganga, the River Goddess. Some believe that the ritual is meant to worship
the Buddha's footprint on the bank of the Narmada River, while others say that
it is to pay respect to Phra Uppakhut, one of the Lord Buddha's great disciples.
The Loi Krathong Festival is celebrated nationwide in Thailand, especially where
there are rivers, canals or sources of water, with different unique characteristics.
This year, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has joint with Educational
Institution and Thai Baot Association to present the Electric Float Procession
from Taksin Bridge to Krungthon Bridge and the 12 lighten up buildings and historical
sites along Chao Praya River during Loi Krathong Festival.
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