SONGKRAN FESTIVAL IN NAKHON SI THAMMARAT PROVINCE
April 11 – 15, 2011
Wat Phra Boromthat temple and Si Thamma Sokarat Park, Sanam Na Meuang, Phra I-suan Hall, and Phra Narai Hall, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province
Nakhon Si Thammarat has been a centre for Buddhism and culture in Southern Thailand since ancient times. The province is dotted with many architectural treasures, some centuries old, a testament to its long history. The Phra Boromathat Nakhon Si Thammarat, the main wat or temple, houses the presiding Buddha image known as the Phra Buddha Singh.
For hundreds of years, it has been the tradition to pour lustral water onto this image during the fifth month of the Thai calendar. The present day Songkran Festival has evolved from this practice. A procession escorting the Phra Buddha Sihing Buddha image from the Provincial Hall to Tung Tha Lat; the Phra Buddha Sihing Buddha image is bathed with lustral waters. Respect is show to elderly folk by pouring lustral waters over their hands.
Activities
- Paying respects to relics of Lord Buddha at Sanam Na Meuang plaza and Si Thamma Sokarat Park, Phra Isuan Hall and Phra Narai Hall
- Procession of the Phra Buddha Sihing Buddha image
- Phra Buddha Sihing Buddha image bathing ritual
- Merit-making activities. Offerings are presented to Buddhist monks.
- Miss Songkran Procession
- Nang Kradan Procession in accordance with Brahmin traditions
- Cultural and folk performances
- Food festival featuring local delicacies and desserts, and a free rice vermicelli feast
- Live demonstrations of traditional dishes and desserts
- Amulets contest
- Songkran water-splashing
- City tour
Contact information:
Tourism Authority of Thailand, Nakhon Si Thammarat Office
Tel: +66 (0) 7534 6515-6
Fax: +66 (0) 7534 6517
E-mail: tatnksri@tat.or.th
Credit: Tourism Authority of Thailand (www.tourismthailand.org)
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