TAT Announces Songkran 2022 Festivities in New Normal

Focusing on the traditional and cultural aspects of the Thai New Year, while strictly adhering to the nationwide public health protocols.

Bangkok, 5 April 2022 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is hosting the ‘Amazing Songkran 2022 Celebrations’ at 10 temples in Bangkok and the ‘Songkran Music Heritage Festival 2022’ in Ayutthaya and Songkhla, as well as supporting other Songkran festivities in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Samut Prakan.

Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT Governor, said, “The Royal Thai Government has allowed the Songkran 2022 festivities to take place under universal prevention and COVID-free setting guidelines and to highlight the traditional and cultural aspects of the festival. As such, TAT is emphasizing honoring the centuries-old origins and traditions of the Thai New Year, a time when family comes first, respect is paid to seniors, and people visit the temples to take part in age-old ceremonies.”

This year, all Songkran festivities hosted or supported by TAT will occur according to universal prevention guidelines against COVID-19. All participants are asked to kindly strictly follow these rules, including being fully vaccinated with an approved COVID-19 vaccine or showing a negative test result using an Antigen Test Kit of no more than 72 hours.

Songkran 2022 festivities hosted by TAT

1. Amazing Songkran 2022 Celebrations from 9-17 April, at 10 temples in Bangkok

TAT has scheduled traditional festivities that honor the centuries-old origins and traditions of the Thai New Year at 10 temples in Bangkok’s old quarters; namely, Wat Arun, Wat Pho, Wat Rakang, Wat Suthat, Wat Kalayanamit, Wat Prayun, Wat Ratchanatdaram, Wat Mahathat, Wat Saket (Phu Khao Thong), and Wat Ratchabophit.  

2. Songkran Music Heritage Festival 2022’ from 12-21 April, in Ayutthaya and Songkhla

TAT has selected Ayutthaya’s Wat Phra Ram and Songkhla’s old town as venues for the ‘Songkran Music Heritage 2022’ to enhance local and international awareness of both locations’ historical and cultural significance. Festivities at both locations will honor the centuries-old cultures and traditions of Songkran while presenting modern-day entertaining elements.

Songkran 2022 festivities supported by TAT

1. The ICONIC Songkran Festival 2022’ from 8-17 April, at ICONSIAM in Bangkok.

Key festivities will focus on the traditional and cultural aspects of Songkran, including Song Nam Phra, and Rot Nam Dam Hua – a ritual to pay respect to the elders, family-focused activities, kite displays, merit-making activities, and a replica of a Thai temple fair.

2. Water Festival’ by Thai Beverage Plc (ThaiBev) in 6 Thai cities

13-15 April 2022, at 9 historic piers along Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River; namely Wat Pho, Wat Arun, Wat Prayun, Wat Kalayanamit, Wat Rakang, Maharaj Pier, Lhong 1919, SookSiam at ICONSIAM, and Asiatique the Riverfront.

13-15 April 2022, at Lanna Ancient House, Charoen Prathet Road, Chiang Mai.

13 April 2022, at Inthayongyos Road, Mueang Lamphun.

13-14 April 2022, at Ban Chiang Archaeological Site, Udon Thani.

13-14 April 2022, at Wat Chaisi, Mueang Khon Kaen.

11-12 April 2022, at Phuket’s old town.

3. Nam Thip Pi Mai Muang Chiang Mai’ from 12-16 April, in Chiang Mai

This year, the ceremony of creating ‘Nam Thip’ is scheduled to take place on 10 April at Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, and a total of 10,726 bottles of ‘lustral water’ will be given to visitors to Chiang Mai during 12-16 April at 10 distribution locations via advance registration. Visitors are also encouraged to visit these temples which boast magnificent Lanna architecture.

Cultures and traditions for enjoying Songkran in Thailand

1. Visit the temple

The main activity is the pouring of scented water onto the sacred Buddha images of the temple – a ritual called Song Nam Phra. It seems that in past times, lustral water used to clean Buddhist statues was regarded as spiritually cleansing and so collected and gently dripped over family members for luck – called Rot Nam Dam Hua.

2. Build a sand stupa

Around Songkran do not be surprised to see what appear to be large sandcastles on the grounds of temples. These are made as a way of replacing the earth taken away throughout the year in the shoes of people coming to pray. These Chedi Sai, as they are known are often decorated with flags, colored pebbles, and money, and families or groups of friends work together to build them.

3. Pay respect to the elders

One charming element of Songkran, often overlooked by visitors is the tradition of paying respect to elders in the Thai family. This is usually done on the second day of Songkran (14 April), and young people prepare rose and jasmine water, as well as Nam Op, scented water to wash their parents’ hands in a ceremony called Rot Nam Dam Hua. In return, the parents give the children their blessings marked by a garland of jasmine.

Last but not least, kindly be reminded that this year the Royal Thai Government has prohibited water splashing, powder smearing, and foam parties at Songkran locations and in public areas. The sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages are also prohibited at the event’s location.

Credit: https://www.tatnews.org/2022/04/tat-announces-songkran-2022-festivities-in-new-normal/