After all the bad news in Thailand over the past few weeks, it is finally good that we can relax and enjoy one of the Kingdom’s most popular festivals. Songkran is the traditional Thai new year which is held every year between 13-15 April. As it is in the middle of the week and that the government has added an extra holiday this Friday, we probably now have the longest Songkran for many years. The waterfights started yesterday and will go on until this coming Sunday.
Many people around Thailand got up early this morning to make merit for Songkran. In Samut Prakan, about 500 local people gathered in front of the City Pillar which was closed to traffic. Tables had been set up on both sides of a 150 meter stretch of road.
After some brief chanting, dozens of monks came out and the local people offered them alms. Flowers were a popular offering as well as food and other essentials.
Afterwards, people poured rose scented water on a Buddha image and also over the hands of senior citizens. In return they were wished a “Happy Songkran” and a long life. You can see more pictures of this event at www.paknamphotos.com.
There is a lot more going on this week in Samut Prakan. Full details can be found at www.paknam.com. I am off now to take pictures of the next event. Follow me live on Twitter @RichardBarrow and my moblog at www.MyThailandBlog.com.
