SONGKRAN IN THE 4 REGIONS OF THAILAND(NorthEast)

APRIL 8 - 15, 2007
I-SAN GRAND SONGKRAN: DOK KHUN-SIANG KHAEN FESTIVAL &
STICKY RICE WALKING STREET (Thanon Khao Neow), KHON KAEN PROVINCE
At Bueng Kaen Nakhon Cultural Centre and
Si Chan Road (also known as Khao Neow Road)

Highlights and Activities
Procession of floral floats
I-San food contest
Cultural performances
Traditional palaeng I-san style set dinner
Miss Songkran beauty queen contest
Sales of local products made by the various sub-districts (tambon) of Khon Kaen under the One Tambon One Product (OTOP) campaign
Water-splashing

As part of the traditional Songkran Thai new year merit-making ceremonies in Khon Kaen province, the locals perform bathing rituals to pay homage to revered Buddha images and shrines, present merit-making offerings to monks and pay respect to elders by pouring lustral water over their hands in a bathing ritual. The rest of the Grand Songkran holidays are filled with festive fun with hours of friendly water-splashing, Miss Songkran beauty pageants and a variety of uptempo traditional Northeastern folk entertainment.

Contact information:
TAT Northeastern Office: Region 3
Tel: +66 (0) 4324 4498, (0) 4324 4499
Fax: +66 (0) 4324 4497


APRIL 13 - 15, 2007
NONG KHAI THAI-LAO GRAND SONGKRAN FESTIVAL
IN NONG KHAI PROVINCE
At Wat Pho Chai temple and Hat Chomani beach near the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge that spans the Mekong River

Highlights and Activities
Procession of Luang Phor Phra Sai from Wat Pho Chai
Buddha images bathing rituals
Thai-Lao Songkran celebrations
The "bai sri soo kwan" ritual to bring good luck and ward off evil
The sprinkling of lustral water to seek the blessing of elders
Sand-stupa building contests
Local cultural performances
Miss Songkran Beauty Queen Contests on both banks of the Mekong River
Miss Songkran Beauty Queen Procession
Boat races, folk sports, beach sports, activities and contests along the banks of the river
Stalls offering souvenirs and local products made in Nong Khai
Nong Khai Souvenir Contest

With the neighbouring country of Lao PDR on the opposite bank of the Mekong River, Songkran celebrations in the northeastern province of Nong Khai is a combined Thai-Lao Songkran festival, with rituals, cultural performances, folk games and cuisine, reflecting a shared heritage.
The procession of the Luang Pho Sai Buddha image is a long-standing tradition which is still being observed till this day.

Contact information:
TAT Northeastern Office - Region 5 (Udon Thani)
Tel: +66 (0) 4232 5406, (0) 4232 5407
Fax: +66 (0) 4232 5408


APRIL 13 - 15, 2007
NAKHON PHANOM GRAND SONGKRAN FESTIVAL
Hat Sai Tong Sikotrabun, Nakhon Phanom city centre
Wat Phra That Phanom Voramaviharn stupa, Renu Nakhon district

Highlights and Activities
Buddhist bathing rituals are performed in accordance with ancient customs and traditions. Scented lustral water is sprinkled over sacred sites such as the 2,000-year old Phra That Phanom stupa – the most sacred and ancient monument of the Northeast and the landmark of Nakhon Phanom, holy footprints of Lord Buddha, temples, Buddha images as well as monks in a gesture of reverence. Religious rituals include the building of sand stupas and the tying of sacred string around the Phra That Phanom stupa. Folk games and traditional I-san folk performances create a colourful festive ambience.

Contact information:
TAT Northeastern Office – Region 4
Tel: +66 (0) 4251 3490 – 1
Fax: +66 (0) 4251 3492