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Celebrated every year from 13 th to 15 th April, Thai New Year, also known, as Songkran is the time to rejoice for the Thai people all over the world. The word “ Songkran ” has its origin from the Pali language of the Therevada Buddhist scriptures. Having some similarities with Holi festival, Songkran is also celebrated in countries like Myanmar, Laos and Sri Lanka.
Songkran was celebrated as a moveable feast in the ancient times. It is celebrated when the sun moves in the Aries portion of the Zodiac chart. Known as the hottest time of the year, Thai New Year comprises of 4 days celebrations. First day of the Thai New Year Celebrations is called the Maha Songkran Day , Wan Nao is the second day, third been the Wan Thaloeng Sok and last but not the least, fourth day is called Wan Parg-bpee .
Thai New Year means a time to follow many rites and rituals with people participating with full jest and enthusiasm to welcome the coming year. The most popular amongst the rituals is the ritual of “ Splashing of Water ”. Symbolic not only of cleansing but also of renewal, this ritual is practiced by sprinkling scented water from silver bowls on a Buddha image. Next comes the custom of “ Sprinkling of Water ” by younger people on the older symbolic of showing respect and getting blessings from them. Then there is the ritual of “ Tying of Strings ” that involves tying of strings around the wrists of others to express good wishes and blessings for the New Year.
No wonder, Thai New Year is incomplete if not accompanied with a variety of traditional delicacies prepared on the occasion to mark the beginning of the New Year. Khao Chae , a rice dish, Gaeng Kiew Wahn Gai , chicken with green curry, Krayasad , a mixture made from puffed rice, peanuts, oats and Thai noodles, Kanom Krok , coconut rice, Kanom Tom , sticky rice and Pad Thai Noodles are some of the delicacies served and prepared on the occasion of Thai New Year.
Wishing you a very happy and prosperous New Year, Travour offers you New Year Tours around the world along with online information on New Year Celebrations and Thai New Year.
Listed below are some popular New Years:
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