The Day of Vesak commemorates the birth of the Buddha, his attainment of enlightenment, and his passing away. An extraordinary aspect of the occasion is that the three incidents took place on the same day but different years. In 2013, this significant day coincides with 24 May.

The Buddha taught mutual loving-kindness and forbearance for the sake of peace and happiness in society. Since these principles are shared by the United Nations Charter, the United Nations declared that Visakha Puja was a day of universal significance, and directed that observances be held, as appropriate, at the United Nations Headquarters and other United Nations offices each year.

As host of the World Day of Vesak celebration 2013, Thailand has invited a number of Buddhist leaders and monks from all over the world to join the celebration. Buddhamonthon, a Buddhist religious center in Nakhon Pathom province, is the focal point of the celebration. The Buddhist leaders and monks will join a candle-lit procession at Buddhamonthon on 22 May.

As part of the 10th anniversary of the celebration of United Nations Day of Vesak, Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, a public Buddhist university in Wang Noi district of Ayutthaya province, will join various organizations in holding an international conference on 21-22 May at the United Nations Conference Center in Bangkok.

The conference focuses on the theme “Education and Global Citizenship: A Buddhist Perspective.” There will be a panel discussion in commemoration of the celebration of the 100th birthday anniversary of His Holiness Somdet Phra Nyanasamvara, the Supreme Patriarch of Thailand, in 2013.

In her message for the United Nations Day of Vesak celebration, Ms. Irina Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO, cited education as the best way to build peace from within, by giving everyone the tools they need for self-fulfillment. On a planet under pressure, education is a force to shape new ways of thinking and acting, to build resilient societies able to adapt to change and mitigate its impact. Fostering global citizenship through education is essential for building genuine and lasting peace. It is vital also for laying the foundations for more inclusive and sustainable development.

Meanwhile, a Buddhism week in celebration of Visakha Puja will be held at the Sanam Luang ceremonial site in Bangkok between 18 and 24 May. According to Deputy Prime Minister and Education Minister Phongthep Thepkanjana, the Buddhism week is also meant to celebrate the 2,600th anniversary of the enlightenment of the Buddha, or Buddhajayanti.

Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn will preside over the opening of the Buddhism week on 18 May.

source: http://thailand.prd.go.th/view_news.php?id=6749&a=2

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During the event of Amazing Thailand Grand Sale, participants can experience and enjoy discounts of 10-80%, and many other privileges at participating department stores, shopping malls, King Power Duty Free, jewelry shops, golf courses, Thai products, spa and massage, hospitals, as well as from the leading airlines and online travel agencies. There are also discounts to be enjoyed at participating merchants at selected tourist attractions in Bangkok, Chiangmai, Phuket, Hat Yai, Hua Hin, Pattaya, Koh Samui and other famous destinations in Thailand. The event attracts many target tourists such as Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea etc. to travel and go shopping in the low season of Thailand.

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http://www.tourismthailand.org

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• If you are a woman bear in mind thin white t shirts and tops can be pretty revealing when wet. Traditionally conservative Thai young men emboldened by the occasion and possibly alcohol can become quite boisterous and may try to touch you. The crowds will jostle and push, you will get soaked and painted with white powder. Remember it is one big party atmosphere, everyone just wants to have fun so take it all in good faith.
• If you take your camera then make sure you also have a plastic bag. Better still, buy a camera that is waterproof. If you must take your mobile phone double wrap it in plastic and secure with elastic bands. Needless to say don’t wear your best clothes. Make a photocopy of your passport to take out with you; it is perfectly legal for you to do so and leave all important documents in the hotel safe.
• If you really do not want to take part in the fun then you will need to get in enough supplies for at least 3 to 4 days. Movies, food, snacks and a good book will keep you entertained. Even then a quick trip to the local restaurant is likely to include a soaking.
• Shopping malls and movie theatres will all be open all through Songkran. Once again you can guarantee a soaking on the way there and back. A meter taxi or bus may be of some protection but you are an easy target in a tuk tuk.
• There is no point in washing your car before or during Songkran it is sure to get white clay and water smears on it . Make sure that you have topped up your windscreen wipers with plenty of water. Be aware some more enthusiastic people may try to open your car doors. If you do go out on your motorcycle take great care, bike accidents soar during the festival period
• • Songkran is not just about water fights. Do make an effort to see the more traditional side. Water is used to gently wash the hands of elders and monks and bathe Buddha images. During the festival Thais construct sand pagodas in the temple grounds.

   

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source: http://www.thaifest.org/en/tips/detail/Songkran:Advice%20for%20Visitors/3

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The festival of Songkran is an old tradition in Thailand. It marks the New Year according to the Thai lunar calendar. The tradition is an example of beautiful Thai culture revealing the joy, generosity, warmth, and respect of the Thai people. During Sonkran, Thai people use water and scents to convey love and amity to each other. The Tourism Authority of Thailand is determined to promote this precious tradition in order to draw the attention of tourists from around the world and invite them to participate in the delights of Songkran. Consequently, TAT has arranged this April ‘Songkran Splendors‘ to celebrate the festival throughout the four regions of the country.

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The Songkran in Northern

The northern people or Lanna community calls the 13th day of April Sang Khan Long day which means the day of the passing year. The people usually clean up their houses, dress in new clothes and get ready for the New Year. On the 14th day of April, which is called Nao day or Da day, the people prepare offerings to give to Buddhist monks at the temple. Everyone tries not to say anything bad. The next day is call Phaya Wan day, in which the people go to the temple, give food offerings to the Buddhist monks, listen to Buddhist sermons, and dedicate their merit to the dead. The northern Thai people also visit their senior relatives and pour a little water on them as a means of paying respect and asking for blessings. They also bring the herb-filled water called Khamin Som Poi and other presents to their relatives. The elderly will dip their hands into the water and caress on the heads of their visitors as a way of giving blessings. The last day of the festival is named Pak Pi day. There will be rituals that are practiced to clear away bad luck and bring longevity to the people. There are also many traditional activities arranged on the day such as the Mong Soeng and Luang drum contests. These can easily be seen in the northern region of Thailand especially in Chiang Mai where many people participate in the Songkran festival.

The Songkran in Northeast

In the northeast, the tradition is called the Fifth Lunar Month festival or Bun Rot Nam. There is a ceremony called Sak Anitcha in which people pay respect to the ashes of their ancestors. During this time, the northeastern people who have moved to other places will come back to their hometown to make merit for their ancestors. The main ritual practiced in many northeastern provinces are Buddha image processions. After the processions there will be Buddha image showering ceremonies, for example Luang Pho Phrasai Buddha image in Nong Khai, Flower Car Procession in Khon Kaen. In the evening there will be the Songkran Human Waves on Khao Niao Street (Si Chan Street) and Phu Thai Renu Nakhon Songkran Procession on Khao Pun Street, Nakhon Phanom.

The Songkran in Southern

In the southern Thailand, Songkran is called Wan Wang meaning free day. The 13th day of April is marked as Wan Song Chao Muang Khao day meaning delivering the old ruler. It is believed the gods that protect the cities will join in heaven. The people clean their houses and practice ceremonies that clear away bad fortune. The people take the day off from work and give food offerings to Buddhist monks at the temple then visit their senior relatives and ask for blessings. The next day is Wan Rab Chao Muang Mai day meaning the new ruler welcoming day. The people will dress in new clothes. In Nakhon Si Thammarat, the Hae Nang Dan procession is held to welcome the Hindu god Shiva who is believed to descend down to Earth on that day to offer blessings.

The Songkran in Central

In central Thailand, the festival is simply called Songkran. The major activities done on the day are cleaning houses, showering Buddha images and Buddhist monks, showering senior relatives, and giving food offerings to Buddhist monks. TAT is promoting Songkran with ‘Pay Respects to nine Sacred Temples’. The temples will open their ordination halls for people to visit and pay respect from April 12 – 16, 2013. The temples included in the campaign are as follows:

Pay Respects to Nine Royal Temples on Songkran Day
1. Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha)
2. Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha)
3. Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn)
4. Wat Suthat
5. Wat Bawonniwet Vihara
6. Wat Chana Songkhram
7. Wat Saket
8. Wat Rakhang
9. Wat Kanlayanamit

Pay Respects to the Royal Temples of 9 Chakri Kings on Songkran Day
1. Wat Pho (King Rama I)
2. Wat Arun (King Rama II)
3. Wat RatchaOrasaram (King Rama III)
4. Wat Ratchapradit (King Rama IV)
5. Wat Ratchabophit (King Rama V and King Rama VII)
6. Wat BawonniwetVihara (King Rama VI)
7. Wat Suthat (King Rama VIII)
8. Wat Rama IX Kanchanaphisek (King Rama IX)

Pay Respects to Nine Temples along Chao Phraya River on Songkran Day
1. Wat Kanlayanamit
2. Wat Arun
3. Wat Rakhang
4. Wat AmmarinTharam
5. Wat Si Sudaram
6. Wat Kharuehabodi
7. Wat Rachathiwat
8. WatThewarat Kunchon
9. Wat Rama IX Kanchanaphisek

Songkran event runs from April 12th – 16th, 2013. In major temples in Bangkok such as Wat Arun, Wat Rakhang, Wat Ratcha Orasaram, Wat Suthat, Wat Saket, Wat Bawonniwet Vihara, and Wat Ratchapradit, there will be the ceremony of showering Buddha images and monks, building sand pagodas, and food fairs. People are encouraged to dress in traditional Thai dress when going to the temples. Often on Songkran day people give food offerings to Buddhist monks at the temple in the morning, visit their senior relatives to shower them and ask for blessings in the afternoon, and gently play water throwing with other people. The songkran festival is known world-wide for its unique and beautiful distinction.

content courtesy: http://songkran2013.com/songkran-review-songkran-splendors-in-thailand/

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Songkran Festival in Thailand is the Thai New Year Festival. There are 3 days for the official holidays of this festival – 13th to 15th April. However, There are extended days of the festival, called “Wan Lai” in many provinces in Thailand. Chonburi is a province that many cities offer the extended Songkran Festival, including Pattaya.

Pattaya is a city in Chonburi that a large number of people participate in the Extended Songkran Festival on 18th and 19th. In fact, 18th is for Naklue, not Pattaya, but it is very close to the Pattaya city, so those who enjoy this water festival can join easily. On 19th April, a lot more people come to the Pattaya city, so anyone can enjoy this activity at anywhere in Pattaya. Those who participate Pattaya Songkran festival with their pick up will be everywhere in Pattaya except Pattaya Beach Road because the Council of the Pattaya city set the Beach Road for non vehicles. Therefore, Pattaya Beach Road is just like walking street that anyone can enjoy Songkran festival, and Pattaya Council also provides water for participants to refill at many places in Pattaya Beach Road.

Unfortunately, for business people, on 19th it is impossible to do any business in Pattaya. This is because traffic jam will seriously happen in almost every street in the city. It would be better to do business in Pattaya in any other days. Another thing is that during 13th – 20th April it would be better for those who prefer not to participate Songkran festival avoid going to Pattaya by using Sukhumvit Road as they could face traffic jam at many places playing this festival on the way such as Chonburi, Bangsan, Sriracha. The recommended street is Motor Way. However, on 19th April, non-participants should arrive in Pattaya before 12 PM in order to avoid serious traffic jam in the city.

Pattaya Songkran Festival 2013, Chon Buri
April 18 2013 – April 20 2013

• Offering alms to monks
• Pour some Thai scented water on a Buddha image
• Enjoy folk plays and various forms of entertainment
• Have refreshing fun splashing water on each other along the beach.

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The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has set aside 30 million baht to support Songkran celebrations in 13 provinces, namely Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Suphan Buri, Ayutthaya, Chon Buri, Samut Prakan, Sukhothai, Khon Kaen, Nakhon Phanom, Nong Khai, Songkhla, Nakhon Si Thammarat, and Phuket.

According to TAT Governor Suraphon Svetasreni, more than 2.7 tourists are expected to travel in Thailand during the Songkran period, from 11 to 16 April. The number represents an increase of 10 percent over the same period of 2012. Out of this number, over two million will be Thai tourists and 678,000 will be international visitors.

The Songkran period is likely to generate about 11 billion baht in tourism income for the country, accounting for an increase of 20 percent. During this period, Thailand is expected to welcome 177 charter flights from such major tourism markets as China, Russia, and Malaysia.

Although the entire celebration period covers one week or more in some rural areas, the highlight of the celebrations is between 13 and 15 April. In 2013, the Government has set the Songkran holiday from 12 April to 16 to promote traditional Thai culture and give a better chance for people living far from their hometowns to visit their families. Songkran Day, 13 April, is also observed as the National Day for Older Persons.

The Ministry of Culture has prepared three events for the upcoming Songkran Festival. The first event, scheduled for 11 April at 2:00 p.m. at the Thailand Cultural Center in Bangkok, will be a ceremony to pour lustral water onto the palms of national artists as a gesture of respect for the elderly.

In the second event, the Ministry of Culture will join hands with Chulalongkorn University in organizing Songkran celebrations from 13 to 15 April, between midday and 9:00 p.m. at Siam Square in Bangkok. It will also feature a fashion show of pha khao ma, a traditional loincloth still widely worn.

The third event will be Songkran celebrations in the Lanna style, to be held at the Three Kings Monument in Mueang district of Chiang Mai, from 13 to 15 April. It will revive Songkran traditions passed on from Lanna, the old kingdom of Chiang Mai.

The Ministry of Culture will launch a campaign to encourage Songkran celebrants to be aware of acceptable conduct and not to cause disturbances to others. They are not allowed to consume alcohol at the events, while safety measures will be stepped up.

Often referred to as the “Water Festival” among foreigners, Songkran has been celebrated as Thailand’s most popular festival since ancient times, and this event may well reflect the essence of “Thainess.” The celebrations feature parades, dancing, and traditional Thai games. People also splash water on each other as a New Year blessing.

source: http://thailand.prd.go.th/view_news.php?id=6707&a=2

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Lying about 600 kilometers north of Bangkok, Lampang is an old province that is well worth a visit. It is the only province in Thailand where horse-drawn carriages are still used as a means of public transport.

The province welcomes all visitors to its “Lampang Historical Train and Horse Carriage Festival,” to be held from 1 to 5 April 2013.

The festival, the 14th of its kind, will take place in front of the Nakhon Lampang Railway Station in Mueang district. It will commemorate the history of Lampang’s train service and horse carriages.

Among the activities during the five-day festival are cultural performances, a light and sound show, a bazaar of local products, a food festival, and an exhibition on the history of train service and horse carriages in Lampang. Visitors will experience an old-style market where participants dress in traditional costumes, and they may go on a city tour in horse-drawn carriages to visit the various attractions.

Lampang is located in the middle of the valley of the Wang River, and the province covers a vast area of forest. One of the natural resources found in this province is white clay, which is used to make high-quality ceramics. The ceramics industry has become an important industry in Lampang, which is noted for its excellent ceramics – souvenirs and other products crafted from ceramics have made a name for this province.

The town of Lampang has a long history dating back to the Hariphunchai Kingdom, which is believed to have been founded in the seventh or early eighth century. During the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V), the first horse carriage was brought from Bangkok for use in Lampang. Horse carriages were also introduced for use as public transport in other northern provinces, such as Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phrae, Nan, and Mae Hong Son, but they have not been used in those provinces for a number of years.

In 1952, an association, called the Horse Carriage in Lampang Province, was established to operate the horse-drawn cart business there. For most Thais, the symbol of Lampang is the horse-drawn carriage.

During the reign of King Chulalongkorn, who ruled the Kingdom from 1868 to 1910, railway transport was introduced into Thailand. The first royal train arrived at the Nakhon Lampang Railway Station in Lampang on 1 April 1916 in the reign of King Vajiravudh (Rama VI). Passengers could ride in comfort from Nakhon Lampang Station to town in one of the many horse carriages available.

For nearly a century, trains and horse carriages have played a vital role as means of transportation in Lampang, for both business and pleasure.

In the past, Lampang was regarded simply as a picturesque town where tourists could make a brief stop on their way to Chiang Mai, the largest city in northern Thailand. The province is now a focal point for elephant conservation in Thailand. It is the location of the Thai Elephant Conservation Center, which has become a major tourist attraction in the North and has helped promote eco-tourism in Thailand.

content source: http://thailand.prd.go.th/view_news.php?id=6698&a=2

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The visitors can experience the parade to pay respect to Phra That Nakhon Chum and other activities which related to the Buddhist religion. There also the local products selling, the exhibition of agricultural products, cultural performances and light and sound presentations.

source: TAT

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Chumphon is the land of the southern gate. The place for traveling and visiting the beauty of the marine. Consists of most beautiful islands along the coast. There are many white sandy beaches and crystal clear water and many coral reefs under water.

Especially attractive islands with sandy beaches, Chumphon has the great area in Thailand for scuba diving. Marine resources are plenty for tourists visiting.

The activities in this event include conserving the environment by doing some mangrove forest planting, exhibition of pictures of related interesting places, marine tourism program, scuba diving and snorkeling package, water sports, fresh seafood booth, folk culture, sand sculpture, discount for accommodation etc.

For more information, please contact:

* Chumphon Governor’s Office Tel. +668 9203 4144 Website: www.chumphon.go.th

* Chumphon Tourism Association Tel. +668 6302 0602

* Chumphon Public Relation Tel. +66 7765 8077, +668 9873 0953

* Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT): Chumphon office

source: TAT

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Having fun is a big part of Thai culture, and having fun amidst scorching heat is no exception. The hottest month of the year, April sees the entire country go bananas in friendly water fights and street parties that last nearly a week. During Songkran, most office buildings, banks as well as family-run shops and restaurants shut down completely, while big shopping malls usually remain open. Bangkok experiences a mass exodus, as at least half of its residents travel back to their home towns for family re-unions. In their place are tourists, who fly into Bangkok particularly to enjoy one of the most colourful and festive times of the year.

New Year Traditions

Songkran is the occasion for family re-unions, temple visits and annual house cleaning. Many Thais observe the holidays by spending time with families and friends. Traditionally, Thais perform the Rod Nam Dum Hua ritual on the first day of Songkran, which is officially the National Elderly Day. During the ritual, young people would pour fragrant water into the elders’ palms as a gesture of humility and to ask for their blessings.

The second day of Songkran is officially the National Family Day. Families would wake up early and give alms to the monks, then ideally the rest of the day would be spent sharing quality family time together. An important religious ritual on Songkran is ‘Bathing the Buddha image’, in which devout Buddhists pour fragrant water over Buddha statues both at the temple and at home. More religious Thais would engage themselves in Buddhist ceremonies and merit-making activities throughout the holidays.

Making Merit

Making merit is an essential part of Songkran, and visiting nine sacred temples during Songkran considered one of the ultimate accumulators. Try temples in the Rattanokosin area like Wat Pho, Wat Phra Kaeo, Wat Suthat Thepphawararam, Wat Chana Songkhram, Wat Boworn, Wat Benchamabophit, Wat Rakhang Khositaram, Wat Arun and Wat Kanlaya.

When is Songkran?

Before Thailand adopted the international New Year’s Day in 1940, Songkran was calculated based on the solar calendar, which varied from one year to the next. Now Songkran in Bangkok is from 13 to 15 April of every year. Depending on where you are in the country, the dates and period of festivities may vary.

Beauty Pageants & Food Fairs

A Miss Songkran Beauty contest is held in the Wisutkasat area, accompanied by merit-making, a parade and other fun activities.

Food, as is always customary in Thailand, features high on the agenda too with many mouth-watering seasonal treats available in hotels, restaurants, and from food vendors on every street or soi. Look out for special Songkran menus at some hotels and restaurants. Also have a look at our restaurant section for some recommended venues.

Sanam Luang

Sacred celebrations are held at Sanam Luang, opposite the Grand Palace. Here on the first day of Songkran the Buddha image ‘Buddhasihing’ is brought out from the National Museum and escorted along the streets for people to sprinkle water on.

The image is then located there for three days, so people who missed the procession can pay their respects. Other merit-making customs in Bangkok include the building of sand stupas which are then decorated with colourful flags and flowers. These can be seen around key temples in the Rattanokosin area.

Water as Symbolism

Contradictory to what you may have witnessed throughout Songkran, fun-loving Thais don’t just throw water at each other for no good reason (besides having a kick out of seeing other people soaking wet). The real meaning behind the splashes is to symbolically wash off all misfortunes in the past year, thus welcoming the new year with a fresh new start.

Traditionally, Thais would politely pour a bowl of water on members of the family, their close friends and neighbours. As Songkran has taken a more festive note, a bowl becomes a bucket, garden hose and water guns, and the spirit of holiday merriment is shared amongst all town residents and tourists alike.

Where to go for a Big Splash?

Actually, a more appropriate question to ask is: ‘how to avoid getting wet during Songkran’. No matter where you go, chances are you will get wet. But if you like the idea of getting soaked from head to toe, and some wild party scene, be sure to drop by Kao San Road or Silom. Be warned, though, to arm yourself with a real powerful water gun and clean bottled water (for washing off talcum powder smudges on your face).

If you prefer a more traditional Songkran, head over to Phra Pradaeng district where the Thai-Raman communities live out their Songkran traditions. Here, the celebrations take place about a week later than in central Bangkok and is filled with cultural significance. You will not only get splashed here, but also enjoy an array of cultural activities, such as the Thai-Ramn flag ceremony, ‘saba’ game, Raman dances, boat races, floral floats parade, and many more.

Songkran Do’s and Don’ts

Do’s
• Do give alms and make merit (or just witness the rituals if you are not a Buddhist)
• Do use waterproof bags to protect your valuables
• Do watch your belongings
• Do use public transportation if you are heading to one of Songkran ‘hotspots’, as traffic will be paralysed
• Do try wishing the locals a happy new year in Thai – “Sawasdee Pee Mai!”
• Do smile and have fun

Don’ts
• Do not douse monks, babies or the elderly
• Do not drive when you have been drinking
• Do not throw water with ice or dirty water
• Do not throw water at motorcyclists, to prevent road accidents

HAPPY  SONGKRAN !!

source : http://www.bangkok.com/information-festivals/songkran.htm

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