The world's largest water festival

TP - For three days each year, Thailand transforms into a wet, bustling, and noisy battlefield. Not only that, this ancient festival is also an opportunity for renewal and honoring the elderly.

Every year, from April 13 to 15, Thais all over the world cool off and celebrate the country’s biggest and most important festival: Songkran. It is closely linked to the Thai Lunar New Year and the end of the annual rice harvest. However, the most popular event for tourists is the nationwide water festival.

“The most famous part of the festival is the water fight. People from young to old take to the streets with water guns and buckets,” explained Worapa Angkhasirisap, director general of the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

Viewers of the latest season of HBO's drama series The White Lotus recently caught a glimpse of the scene when three unsuspecting tourists came across a Songkran celebration in the middle of the road.

“Why is everyone carrying those guns?” one of the women asked. In no time, the three figures were being chased down the street by children with water guns before taking refuge in a convenience store, confused and drenched.

While portrayed as an overwhelming experience by The White Lotus, this fun event is open to all visitors. In fact, hordes of tourists flock to Thailand each year to take part in what is often dubbed the “ world’s biggest water fight.”

Local people shooting water guns

During the three-day festival, scented water is often poured over Buddha images to symbolize renewal. Thais also wash the hands of their elders and ask for blessings, as well as make offerings at temples.

“Because most Thais are Buddhist, Songkran is also a spiritual time,” explains Kharitthakorn Sakulsupapong, sales and marketing director of Thai tour operator Tropical Vacation.

Although it is a three-day national holiday, some Thai communities – such as the popular beach resort town of Pattaya – extend the festival to 10 days. Since April is typically the hottest month in Thailand, cooling dishes are often on the Songkran menu.

“April is the peak mango season, you will find a lot of mango sticky rice, one of the most popular desserts in Thailand,” said Ms. Angkhasirisap.

“Another popular seasonal dish is khao chae, a cool rice dish soaked in jasmine-scented ice water, served with savoury dishes – a perfect recipe to cool down in the summer heat.”

Tourists visiting the country during Songkran are often invited to join in the festivities. “Thais are always excited to introduce their cultural traditions and are happy to answer any questions visitors may have,” said Jurairat Mongkolwongsiri, vice president of sales at Centara Hotels & Resorts in Bangkok.

As with any religious festival, Ms Mongkolwongsiri noted that respect is key. “Songkran is open to everyone, but visitors should understand and respect cultural boundaries. For example, you should avoid splashing water on monks or elders and try not to splash water directly in anyone’s face,” Ms Mongkolwongsiri said.

Thailand's urban areas attract the biggest Songkran crowds, Ms Angkhasirisap said, but visitors outside the main tourist spots are also likely to encounter the festival.

“Bangkok and Chiang Mai are well-known hotspots, attracting large crowds and hosting large celebrations. However, in recent years, Thailand has made efforts to promote celebrations in all regions, including lesser-known provinces,” she said.

Smaller destinations have their own character, says Angkhasirisap, with beaches like Songkhla and Surat Thani being much more relaxed than the party atmosphere in the big cities, while provinces like Phrae, Lamphun and Ubon Ratchathani incorporate cultural parades into their traditional festivals.

“Wherever you go, you will find a warm and welcoming atmosphere. This is truly an unforgettable festival,” said Ms Angkhasirisap.

Ha My

Source: https://tienphong.vn/le-hoi-te-nuoc-lon-nhat-the-gioi-post1735228.tpo