Thai New Year 2013

Thailand is one of the Asian countries which celebrates the new year with much pomp and show. You would be surely thrilled to witness the Thai New Year 2013 events on your visit to Thailand. Explore the different rituals and customs performed by the traditional Thai families.

Songkran festival - Thai New Year 2013

The Thai New Year is traditionally called as, “Songkran festival”. The word Songkran has emerged from the Sanskrit word which means ‘move or change'. It is one of the very popular festivals which are celebrated in Thailand. The date of Thai New Year matches with most of the Southeast Asian New Year calendars. Thailand New Year celebrations start from 13th April to 15th April. It is three day festival which signifies all the different traditions and customs of Thailand. During the new year time Thailand experiences the hottest weather.

Thai New Year customs

Thai people are very traditional and there is lot many New Year customs related to this festival. People believe in religiously following all the rituals to bring health and happiness for new year.

One of the fun customs is to throw water on each other. This is done in a belief that this would bring rains. This tradition is called ‘Rohd Nam Songkran' which means ‘pouring of Songkran water'.

On 21st April Thai people clean their homes and business areas. This is one of the very famous Thai traditions which is named as, ‘Wan Sungkharn Lohng'. People dress up in new clothes and welcome the new beginning in unique style.

People also play games to celebrate New Year in Thailand. Pyramids are built by people of sand which are called ‘chedis'. These are games which resemble the popular game skittles. The traditional name is ‘Saba' which is played on the riverbanks. Tiny colored flags are placed on these pyramids and this is one of the very famous Thai games during new year.

On 14th April people perform ‘Wan Payawan'. In this ritual the Thai people wash the statues of Lord Buddha in scented water. Temples and shrines are visited by the families to offer prayers to god. Gifts like fruits, sweets, rice are taken to the temples. Food is offered to the monks, which is considered very auspicious to get blessing for the new year.

It is believed by Thai people that god would bless them with luck and longevity if, birds are released from the cages and fishes from the bowls. ‘Wan Parg -Bpee' is another very popular Thai custom which is carried on the 15th April. People pay homage to their elders, deceased and ancestors. It is believed that this would bless them with fortune and health.

Thailand New Year celebrations

The Thai New Year brings lots of joy and happiness in people. Parades and processions are carried on the local streets to enjoy the 2013 welcome. This takes place on the 15th April when people carry idols and images of Lord Buddha. Dancing and singing are part of these processions.

Water throwing is fun activity which is done during the parades. It is believed that bad deeds would wash off from their bodies. This is one of the celebration gestures to welcome the New year 2013. People greet each other Happy New Year (Sawatdee pi Mai) and exchange pleasantries.

Wishing you all very happy new year! Hope you enjoyed the read on Thai New year 2013.

Comments