Joanna James
If a holiday to Thailand is next on your list of priorities, then understand that arriving in the ‘Land of Smiles’ during any of its festivals will bring with it unsurpassed value and delight.
Held during January or February of each year, the Chinese New Year is by far, one of the nation’s most cherished celebrations. Held in honour of Thailand’s large Chinese communities, especially those who live in Bangkok and Phuket, the Chinese New Year or ‘Spring Festival’ as it is also referred to is renowned for its colourful displays and traditional practices that can be witnessed within Chinese temples. For instance, should you beeline for Chinatown, then expect to be warmly welcomed by parades, dragon and lion dances, lanterns, firecrackers and ample opportunities to taste the distinct flavours sold at local street food stalls. Prior to stepping outside your Bangkok 5-star hotel, be sure to be clad in red which is the lucky colour in Chinese culture and learn to say “Happy Lunar New Year” in either Cantonese (Gong Hey Fat Choy) or Mandarin (Gong Xi Fa Cai).
Arguably, the most talked about and exciting of all local festivals is Songkran. Though, an important Buddhist holiday in the Thai calendar, Songkran is in actuality, a countrywide water fight that takes on varying proportions and levels of fun and engagement. Songkran is a tradition that saw the light of day in the 13th century where water was sprinkled on Buddha statues which symbolised the washing away of bad deeds of the previous year to give way to renewed hope for the forthcoming one. In this day and age, the water festival involves dousing your neighbour with a bucketful of water or finding the biggest water gun you can carry in order to duel with your family, friends or Thais that you will meet on the roads and narrow lanes.
Held in May, Boon Bang Fai or the ‘Rocket Festival’ as it is fondly referred to sees the coming together of farmers and their families in North-eastern Thailand and those who live in nearby Laos. Celebrated during the start of the wet season, the Rocket Festival is one big party that serves as a prelude to the planting season. As part of the festivities, locals can be seen parading the streets alongside floats that feature rice wine and homemade rockets. Aside from the dances, processions and pageants, the 3rd day of Boon Bang Fai is what all patrons look forward to. This is when the rockets are fired into the air and judged based on individual height and distance covered coupled with the vapour trail that is left behind.
Dubbed the “Festival of Lights” and that too for justifiable reasons, Loy Krathong is one of the talking points come the month of November. Associated with the releasing of candlelit vessels called ‘krathongs’ across rivers, lakes and canals throughout the country, Thais opine that this act signifies the removal of bad luck which coincides with harbouring hope of a brand new beginning. If residing in the capital, then do make the journey for the Chao Phraya River which is near hotels like Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort where a host of cultural events take centre stage.
Though, common across the world, the word “boring” is not what you would describe the scenes surrounding Thailand’s New Year’s Eve. While Bangkok’s rooftop bars, nightclubs and streets come alive in no uncertain manner, neighbouring regions do put on their own unique show. Beach parties and live music are very much at the heart of the festivities in areas such as Phuket while the mountainous city of Chiang Mai in the north is where you can catch a glimpse of traditional Thailand in the form of candlelit lantern ceremonies that make for memorable photographs.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
