TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Songkran festival, celebrated every April 13-15, marks the beginning of the traditional Thai New Year. The iconic festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm throughout the Land of the White Elephants.
Rooted in the Buddha tradition, Thai people celebrate Songkran by visiting temples to make offerings, pouring water on the Buddha statues to receive blessings, and spending time with loved ones. The water used symbolizes the cleansing of bad luck, both literally and spiritually. However, in this day and age, Songkran is celebrated more lavishly with entertainment, including massive water fights, street parties, and music festivals.
Despite being an iconic celebration in Thailand, the spirit of Songkran has spread to countries that adhere to Theravada Buddhism. Each country adds its own local touch to the celebration. Here are some countries that celebrate Songkran, as reported by Travel and Leisure.
1. Laos
Laos celebrates the holiday as Pi Mai. This celebration is similar to the one in Thailand, including water fights and temple visits. However, the Lao version of Songkran emphasizes more on religious tradition and community-based activities, rather than entertainment and large-scale water parties.
2. Myanmar
In Myanmar, the Songkran Festival known as Thingyan is celebrated with water fights, traditional music, and religious ceremonies. The locals also visit the Pagodas to pray and seek blessings. Similar to the festival in Thailand, people also engage in water fights symbolizing the cleansing of misfortunes from the past year.
3. Cambodia
The Cambodian New Year is called Choul Chnam Thmey, celebrated every year from April 14 to 16. This celebration becomes a public holiday for three days, filled with Buddhist ritual, traditional games, festive cleaning, and charitable activities. Moreover, the Cambodian New Year also provides an opportunity for farmers to relax and enjoy the fruits of their labor before the rainy season begins.
4. Hong Kong
Songkran-themed music festivals and water parties have become a trend in Hong Kong. This celebration is more modern compared to Thailand, as it focuses more on entertainment rather than traditional customs.
5. Australia
Due to the large Thai diaspora, Australia also celebrates Songkran in April. The event is filled with various festivities, ranging from cultural performances and community gatherings to Thai cuisine feasts and water fights. Some cities in Australia that celebrate Songkran include Adelaide, Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.
6. United States
Songkran celebrations in the United States are held in cities with thriving Thai communities, such as Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco. Songkran in the United States features parades, Thai food markets, Muay Thai competitions, cultural shows, and of course, water fights.
Editor’s Choice: 5 Best Places to Enjoy Songkran Festival in Phuket, Thailand
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