Supansa Kraiwaad
A big Songkran 2011 festival will take place in Hua Hin on Wednesday, 13 April, to celebrate the traditional Thai New Year.
Starting early in the morning at 8.30 a.m. at the Phon Kingphet Memorial Park, this festive event boasts ‘Rodnam Damhua’ – a traditional Thai way to pay respect to seniors by sprinkling water with jasmine on their hands and asking for blessing . Among others, bathing Buddha images, flower processions and the main highlight ‘water splashing’ traditionally takes place as well. Both Thais and foreigners can enjoy this festival throughout the town and suburbs.
According to the Hua Hin Mayor Mr. Jira Pongpaiboon, the Hua Hin Songkran 2011 aims to cherish Thai tradition while enabling Thai people to pay respect to the elders. Since it is much favored by local people of Hua Hin and visitors alike, this event will serve as a tourism promotion campaign of the city as well.
Celebrated throughout Thailand from 13 to 15 April every year, this year’s Songkran goddess is named Montha Dewi. Wearing champak behind her ear and possessing cat’s-eye, the goddess likes dairy products. She is believed to have come to the earth on a donkey’s back holding a needing in her right hand and a cane in her left one.
Those who would like to enjoy the long summer holiday in Hua Hin are very welcome. For more information, please contact the Education Division of the Hua Hin Municipality at tel. 032 532 433 ext. 402-3.
