Fah Thai Magazine Mar-Apr 2020

THAI NEW YEAR
Northeast
Northeasterners mark the New Year at exactly 3pm on
the 15th day of the fifth waxing moon in the month
of Boon Song Kran or Boon Duan Ha (the fifth month
in the Lunar calendar). On this day, people gather
in temples to offer alms, make merit, bathe Buddha
statues and sprinkle water on the monks to seek
their blessings. At home, they do the same to get the
blessings of their parents and elders.
Later in the day, people return to temples to
build sand pagodas and decorate them with beautiful
handmade flags, before it’s time for water fights and
family gatherings.
Clockwise from
Top Left
The bathing of the
Luang Pho Phra Sai
statue is a key part
of Songkran in
Nong Khai.
A traditional dance
performance
in Nakhon Si
Thammarat during
Songkran.
Children dressed
in Manohra
costumes parade
down the streets of
Hat Yai, Songkhla.
Young boys in
traditional Thai
costume aim
their water guns
at passersby.
Sand pagodas
are decorated with
colourful paper
flags in Udon
Thani, northeastern
Thailand.
South
Southerners have strong and unique traditions when it
comes to Songkran. According to their belief, the Chao
Muang Kao, or the previous year’s guardian, leaves
to make way for the new guardian. The first day of
Songkran, April 13, is known as Wan Song Chao Muang
Kao or the day when the departing guardian is bid
farewell. The following day is Wan Wang, or the day
when the guardian is away and there is no protection
from bad luck. On this day, it’s important observe the
rules of being truthful and not causing harm. April
15 is Wan Rub Chao Muang, or the day when the new
guardian is welcomed, with children bringing their
parents new clothes and helping them wash their hair
to welcome the new year.
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