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Major EventsBesides nationally celebrated events on public holidays, including Buddhist holy days, Bangkok hosts a number of important annual events. Thailand celebrates the Western New Year as well. On 3l' December, there are the Bangkok countdown celebrations at several major sites: Sanam Luang, Central World Plaza, Rama VIII Bridge, and the National Stadium. Buddhist merit-making in the morning and evening folk entertainment take place on l'January. Songkran Festival (Thai Traditional New Year, 13. 14, 15 April ) This is a time of joyful family reunions and Bangkok half-empties as people head for their hometown to visit their beloved ones. Traditionally, children pour water onto their elder's hands and invite their blessings before going off to happily splash around elsewhere in town or near the rivers and canals. At Sanam Luang in Bangkok, the highly revered Buddha image "Phra Buddha Sihing" will be displayed and bathed by thousands of Buddhists. The celebrations involve water fights but it is April and hot, so it is a good-humoured way of cooling down. Khao San Road, in the Banglamphu area, is one of the city's high watermarks to experience the ater-throwing activities between locals and tourists. Those who do not fancy a soaking can always stay home. Royal Ploughing Ceremony Staged every year at Sanam Luang, and presided over by H.M. the King, this Brahmin ritual marks the official commencement of the rice-growing season around the beginning of May. H.M. the Queen's Birthday Celebrated on 12t August, Mother's Day in Thailand is marked by brightly illuminated public buildings in the Ratchadamnoen and Grand Palace areas, and a lot of fireworks and cultural performances in Sanam Luang. Chulalongkorn day Celebrated every 23' October around the equestrian statue of King Chulalongkorn (1860 - 1910), this ceremony honours the king who abolished slavery, saved the country from colonisation, and modernised the country. Loi Krathong Festival Trooping of the Colours Celebrated on 3"December, the elite Royal Guards swear their allegiance to their monarch in a colourful ceremony in the Royal Plaza. H.M. the King's Birthday His Majesty's birthday on 5th December is also Father's Day in Thailand and is celebrated with Buddhist merit-making, spectacular evening illuminations around the Grand Palace and Ratchadamnoen areas, and public entertainment principally in the form of folk dramas and open-air film screenings. |
New Year Celebrations
This most charming of all Thai celebrations takes place on the full moon night of the 12th lunar month which usually falls in November. Celebrants place joss sticks, coins, candles, betel and flowers in a lotus-shaped receptacle or Krathong. Then the candles and joss sticks are lit and the Krathong is launched at the waterside, while the owners watch anxiously in the hope that the candle light will not fade away. The flame means fulfillment of dreams and a long life. Along the riverside, visitors can buy ready-made, cheap Krathong and join in the festivities. On the water, a thousand twinkling lights bob up and down, representing people's hopes and dreams. This celebration is a delight for all the family and should not be missed.