The Thai Tourism Authority presents “Spring Into Songkran Splendors”, a virtual event on … [+] the Thai New Year on April 8th.

Tourism Authority of Thailand

In 2021, Songkran’s Thai New Year will be held from April 13th to 15th. Shortly beforehand, the Thai Tourism Authority (TAT) will hold a virtual celebration prior to the event to tell more about this Buddhist holiday to viewers around the world.

On Thursday, April 8th, 8pm to 9pm EDT, Spring Into Songkran Splendors will showcase the traditions and history of Songkran on a live zoom broadcast from Chiang Mai. The event is free and public, but online pre-registration is required. See this link Here.

The Zoom celebrations include an offering of Thai New Year Blessings from the Baan Rai Kong Khing Community with Trikaya Tours. On the program, the Thai chef Arnold Myint will also show how to make Thai papaya salad.

According to Santi Sawangcharoen, director of TAT’s New York office, Thailand’s Buddhist culture and festivals are among the many reasons Thailand is a popular travel destination.

Songkran, Thailand’s New Year, takes place mostly in mid-April. It is thought with the public … [+] Festivals.

Tourism Authority of Thailand

“The Songkran Festival is our largest and most important Buddhist holiday, celebrated annually across Thailand,” said Sawangcharoen.

Sawangcharoen, which was derived from the ancient India festival of Makar Sankranti, explained this Songkran’s origins recognize the sun’s heavenly path. It is also about the fact that Thais see this period as the end of the old year and the beginning of a new year.

“Culturally, Songkran is a time to visit temples and meet with loved ones to express gratitude and congratulations for our elders,” added Sawangcharoen. “Issues such as compassion, wealth, and purification are embodied in many joyful activities with water.”

Songkran is known across Thailand and usually falls in mid-April. A Songkran festival can last three to ten days.

During Songkran, Thais sprinkle water around to clear up last year's dispute

During Songkran, Thais splash water around to clear up last year’s dispute. The … [+] The exercise is shown at a Songkran festival at Maheyong Temple in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya.

Tourism Authority of Thailand

Water plays an important role in the recognition of Songkran among its traditions.

“Since water is seen as a symbol of washing away bad luck, participants usually pour it on the street as a fun and friendly tradition,” explained Sawangcharoen. “For visitors, the festival offers excitement in the form of parades, carnivals, spiritual performances and water fights that take place across Thailand.”

This year, Songkran in Thailand will be honored with events following COVID-19 preventive methods. In Bangkok, TAT will be the “Amazing Songkran Festival 2021” in the vicinity of the Airport Rail Link Makkasan Station stop.

The Thai Tourism Authority will hold the “Amazing Songkran Festival 2021” in Bangkok around the Airport Rail Link Makkasan stop.

The Thai Tourism Authority will host the Amazing Songkran Festival 2021 in Bangkok … [+] The Airport Rail Link Makkasan Station stop.

Tourism Authority of Thailand

The Tourism Board also supports related festivities in seven other Thailand travel destinations. They will perform in Ayutthaya, Buri Ram, Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, Lampang, Nong Khai and Sukhothai.

Thailand is now open to US travelers who must meet these requirements specific medical needs for entry. At the virtual event Spring Into Songkran Splendors, however, Sawangcharoen found that global viewers can experience Thai culture right at home.

“By bringing this event to the public, we are sharing our Thai cultural values ​​with the world,” added Sawangcharoen.