Sawadee Pi Mai ! written by Farang Kee Nok
"Songkran, the Thai New Year, is a festival of water and goodwill, of cleansing and joy. Every year, around mid-April, the streets of Thailand transform into rivers of joy, where young and old, Thai and foreigner, meet in a playful water fight that refreshes the soul and washes away old worries.
In the heart of Chiang Mai, where the ancient city walls still whisper the secrets of the past, the festivities begin at sunrise. Monks in saffron robes solemnly walk through the streets, thoughtfully filling their begging bowls. Pouring the respectful water over the hands of the elders is a serene act that seeks the blessings of the elders and purifies the path for the new year.
As the morning progresses, the calm serenity turns into an exuberant explosion of energy. Music vibrates through the air. Young people, armed with colorful water pistols and buckets, take shelter behind makeshift barricades. The scent of sweet, sticky mango sticky rice mingles with the fresh, cool splashes of water. Stalls along the roads sell flower garlands and traditional Thai food, their colors bright against the clear blue sky.
The water, essential in these festivities, symbolizes cleansing. Washing away the dust of the past year and welcoming the new one with a clean slate. Tourists and locals laugh as one, the barriers of language and culture washed away with every friendly splash.
Besides the playful stuff, Songkran is also a time for introspection and spiritual renewal. Many Thais visit temples to pray and dump sand, symbolically restoring the temple of all the sand taken away by visitors' feet during the year. The serene temple grounds, often decorated with colorful lanterns and flags, provide a quiet counterpart to the wild water fights outside.
As the sun sets and the last drops of water evaporate on the hot paving stones, peace slowly returns. Families and friends gather for large meals, share their experiences of the day and laugh at the wet but happy faces. The spirit of Songkran, with its unique blend of respect, cheerfulness and sense of community, reflects the essence of Thai culture.
As I tell this story from a small café, with the last remnants of water still on my skin, I feel the deep connection with this beautiful country and its people. I wish everyone, near and far, a happy and blessed Thai New Year. May the water of Songkran purify your life and bring you joy and renewal, just as it does here in Thailand. Sawadee Pi Mai!"
Written by Farang Kee Nok
Copied and translated from Thailandblog.nl