One of the nicest parts of Songkran day is the pouring of water. There are two sides to the celebratory coin - the fun-loving and the formal. You will already be experiencing the fun-loving aspect of Songkran. So let's know about the formal.
Traditionally, younger people pay respect to their elders by pouring water from silver bowls on the hands of older persons. This ceremony is known as "Rod Nahm Dum Hua." This is much different from the water tossing we see on the streets. After the family pays respect the elders ask the younger ones to forgive them for speaking harshly during the past year and the elders give them a blessing and words of wisdom. Related to the water pouring is the ritual of the tying of strings. This involves the tying of strings around the wrists of others and expressing good wishes for the New Year. On this day people cleanse the Buddha images in their homes as well as in the temples with scented water.
As part of the water sprinkling, water splashing and string tying rites, you may also encounter a person with a small silver bowl filled with a white powder or pasty substance. This is one of the oldest Songkran traditions. The white paste is a sign of protection and promises to ward off evil. The person with the paste is often older and he or she applies the paste to various parts of the face, neck and torso of others. One is expected to leave this paste on until it washes off of its own accord.
There is some place recommended to join in Songkran day is Novotel Phuket Beach Resort Panwa. There are many traditional activities such as starting early morning with the traditional monk ceremony, Releasing dove, water pouring over Buddha statuette, Blessing to elders, sand Chedi competition and water activities such as sea boxing. At night time, hotel prepare elegant traditional 4 region Thai buffet dinner with food demonstration, shows and Miss Songkran contest only at THB950net per person and THB450net for children from 4-12 years. Let come to explore Thai culture and have fun together.
Special Package at Novotel Beach Resort Panwa Phuket ? Beach Break Package; Stay for 3nights and pay only 2 nights. Rate starting from THB1800+++ /room/night. From now ? 31 October 2009
For more information or reservation please contact Novotel Beach Resort Panwa Phuket. Tel: +66 76 393300 Fax: 66 76 200334 Email: rsvn@novotelpanwa.com Website: http://www.novotelpanwa.com