Festival and Tradition
The Legend of Songkran and Khao San Road
Songkran festival and Khao San road are altogether the legend of the festival. It is really surprise to me that there are so many historical sites in Thailand which related to this beautiful festival such as Sukhothai Historical Park, where it is believed that the original place of Songkran. Instead, Khao San, a very small road in central of Bangkok has become very popular among tourists and many of Thais.
However, it is not because those historical sites are not very attractive but due to the characteristics of Songkran festival itself, splashing. Splashing water to others without penalty during Songkran is very charming to visitors and that’s why Khao San road is very popular.
Almost 2,000 residents, hotels and apartments in Khao San road welcome all foreign visitors all around the world and if they are lucky to stay during the period of the festival, they will extremely enjoy splashing with many of other visitors and Thais. As mentioned earlier that Khao San road is a hub for tourists, so it is naturally become famous and when the festival arrives, increasing in its reputation.
The other important and interesting story about Khao San road is about the people and community in there. It’s fairly to say that Khao San road’s community is diverse. Not just only Thai people who established their business or reside there, but also some of tourists from around the world who are enjoying their long stay.
What they do in Songkran festival.
Actually, according to the original and pure Thai culture, Songkran festival is not just splash water to others, there are norms and other activities involved. There are some more important activities to be done such as making respect to parents or whoever, we respect by give them a good wish and pouring the water on their hands, which is call Rod Nam Dam Hua. Some others also go to the temple and making merit and so on.
However, in “modern” Songkran, it seems like these invaluable traditions have become unawared, but it is surely understandable for many of Thais. Foreign tourists, or Thais usually call them “Farang” are only enjoy this splashing festival, especially at Khao San road. I think, however, Khao San road has its own charming no matter with or without Song Kran, but when the festival comes, it is extraordinary beautiful place. As you may have seen so many lovely pictures when the road was crowded by people who come to enjoy the festival, the pictures tell the story itself and they also bring people who have seen them the Thailand.
Now, as a result, Songkran is not only important to Thais, but to some people all around the world. It is also really glad to see when many of foreign tourists come to Thailand during mid of April only for enjoy their short vacation with Songkran festival! This means that the festival is very important to them. Apart from that many of Thais are also well aware of their own festival as when the government has assigned the 13th of April of every year is the Family Day.
