The “Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2024” opened on 12 April with an epic cultural spectacle, bringing the glory of Thai traditions and cultures as well as historical significance from all regions of the country to Bangkok within one evening in a one-kilometre stretch of 20 grand processions and over 1,000 performers showcasing the pride of the nation.
Tourism and Sports Minister, Ms. Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, said “This extravagant parade is a rare spectacle in the heart of Bangkok. It celebrates the time-honoured traditions of ‘Songkran in Thailand, the traditional Thai New Year festival’ that is listed as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Everyone is welcome to be a part of celebrating the traditional beliefs and local traditions that set Songkran in Thailand apart from all other countries.”
Heading the Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2024 parade was the Procession of the Golden Buddha image, and the Maha Songkran Procession with exquisite float carrying the Nang Songkran goddess of 2024 – Mahodhara Devi, presented by Miss Antonia Porsild, Miss Universe 2023 first runner-up.
The second section of the parade was the vibrant Songkran processions, showcasing grand festivities from 16 provinces:
– Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, Chon Buri, Samut Prakan, and Nakhon Si Thammarat, whose unique traditions Thailand is preparing to enlist as ‘Intellectual Property Festivals.’
– Chiang Rai, Nong Khai, Phitsanulok, Songkhla, and Buri Ram, where Songkran festivities are recognised as distinctive.
– Ayutthaya, Nakhon Phanom, Lampang, Loei, Sukhothai and Phuket where Songkran traditions are to be further promoted.
The last section of the parade comprised the procession of soft powers – games, festivals, and films and series, the KOL procession, and the LGBTQ procession.
The opening parade on 11 April started from the Phan Fa Lilat Bridge, marching along Ratchadamnoen Klang Avenue and in circle around Sanam Luang. The march covered about 2.5 kilometres.
Another parade is scheduled on 12 April, starting at 17.30 Hrs. and will march in circle around Sanam Luang only.
Throughout five days, Sanam Luang will be the main location for the Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2024.
Cultural and musical performances as well as contemporary and orchestra performances will be taking place at the main stage.
Songkran traditions and festivities unique to the Northern, Northeastern, Eastern, Central and Southern regions of Thailand will be on display at a dedicated zone. In relation to this are activities and showcases as well as DIY workshops of local arts and handicrafts from the five regions.
There will also be displays and activities related to Thai soft power including Muay Thai Maha Songkran and Thai summer dishes.
Amazing splash activities will be at the water zone with musical dancing fountain, water tunnel, gigantic wading pool, and water station.
Other activities include a drone show and a fair selling local products from across the country.
On 13 April, the traditional Thai New Year, there will be a merit-making ceremony and other activities promoting Thai traditions, including the Song Nam Phra ritual of purifying a Buddha image with scented water as a way of paying respect to the Lord Buddha and bringing good fortune to the person and the Rot Nam Dam Hua ritual – where young people prepare scented water with which to wash their parents’ or elders’ hands to ask for blessing.
Recognising the importance of organising an environmentally sustainable event, TAT, in partnership with PTT Global Chemical, organises a GCYOU Turn activity for plastic waste management. Visitors are encouraged to discard waste plastic bottles at any of the 20 ‘YOU Turn Drop Points’ for a souvenir or join in DIY upcycling activities such as turning plastic bottle caps into a keychain and bottle opener or buy upcycling products such as floral printed shirts made of plastic waste. (TAT)
