BANGKOK SONGKRAN SPLENDOURS FESTIVAL
April 9 – 15, 2011
"Celebrate Songkran in My Homeland"
This year’s Bangkok Songkran Thai New Year celebrations features a combination of colourful festivities and activities being hosted by the various communities of Khao San Road, the districts of Banglumphu-Wisutkasat and Phra Artit Road under the theme, “Celebrate Songkran in My Homeland”.
BANGLUMPOO- SANTICHAIPRAKARN PARK SONGKRAN FESTIVAL
At Santichaiprakarn Park (Phra Sumeru fortress), Bangkok
- Procession of the sacred Phra Puttha Sihing Buddha image and bathing ritual on 12 April
The highly revered Phra Puttha Sihing Buddha image is believed to be the spiritual guardian protecting the local community from harm. This Buddhist land-borne procession through the streets of Bangkok presents an opportunity for local residents and visitors of Buddhist faith to make merit. Scented lustral water is poured over the image as a gesture of respect.
- Procession of Phra Puttha Bang Lamphu Prachanart Buddha Image
- The Buddha image will be on display at Santichaiprakarn Park.
- Present Buddhist merit-making offerings to monks.
- The ritual bathing of Buddha images and monks Lustral water is sprinkled over Buddha images or poured over the hands of Buddhist monks in a gesture of reverence.
- Seek blessings from elders in the Rot Nam Dam Hua ceremony in which scented lustral water and other ritual offerings are presented to elders and individuals held in high esteem in a gesture of respect.
- Enjoy cultural presentations and performances.
- Join in the fun-filled Songkran water-splashing.
WISUTKASAT SONGKRAN FESTIVAL
Wisutkasat intersection
Activities
- Present Buddhist merit-making offerings to monks
- Chak Phra land-borne procession of a sacred Buddha image
- The ritual bathing of Buddha images and monks
- Rot Nam Dam Hua ceremony
- Miss Songkran beauty contest
- Cultural presentations
OFFICIAL OPENING CEREMONY
9 April 2011/ 17.00 – 19.00 hrs
At Nakaraphirom Park by the Chao Phraya River and Wat Pho – Temple of the Reclining Buddha
17.00 Guests arrive at Nakaphirom Park
18.30 Following the arrival of the Chairperson, guests will be treated to a series of special presentations namely – Songkran of the Four Regions, a dazzling water curtain, dancing fountains and light-and-sound extravaganza, ending with “The Legend of Songkran”.
19.00 Welcome address by the Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand
Report by the Chairman of the TAT Board
The Minister of Tourism and Sports presides at the official opening.
SONGKRAN THAI NEW YEAR MERIT-MAKING AT NINE ROYAL TEMPLES
APRIL 9 - 15, 2011
Nine royal temples around Rattanakosin Island
Time-honoured Buddhist customs and ancient Buddhist merit-making traditions, such as the bathing ritual in which lustral water is sprinkled over Buddha images and the building of sand stupas that are decorated with colourful flags and flowers, can be seen at the nine royal
Buddhist temples dotted around Rattanakosin Island. They are:
- Wat Phra Si Rattanasasadaram (Wat Phra Kaeo)
- Wat Phrachetuphon Wimonmangkhalaram (Wat Pho – Temple of the Reclining Buddha)
- Wat Suthat Thepwararam Ratchaworamahawihan
- Wat Saket Ratchaworamahawihan
- Wat Bwornnivetviharn
- Wat Chanasongkhram Ratchaworamahawihan
- Wat Rakhangkhositaram Woramahawihan
- Wat Arunratchawararam Ratchaworamahawihan (The Temple of Dawn)
- Wat Kanlayanamit Woramahawihan
BANGKOK MAHA SONGKRAN (GRAND SONGKRAN) CELEBRATIONS
At Laan Khon Mueng plaza in front of the Bangkok City Hall
- Procession of Phra Puttha Sihing Buddha image
- The ritual bathing of Buddha images and monks
Contact information:
Tourism Authority of Thailand, Bangkok Office
Tel: +66 (0) 2250 5500
Fax: +66 (0) 2250 5511
E-mail: tatbangkok@tat.or.th
Credit: Tourism Authority of Thailand (www.tourismthailand.org)
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