Written about a lot would definitely be an understatement when it comes to the Thai festival, Songkran. It’s celebrated throughout the land and can vary in number of days depending on city or province. In the case of Ban Nong Pai – Isan Province, Songkran officially lasts three days.
Anyone that has been to one of the tourist centers during Songkran will tell you that it is one big water fight. In the tourist centers it is. The experience to be had in one of the villages of say Kalasin is definitely different and much more of a cultural awakening as well.
Day one I was awakened with a, “Johno come and have a look and bring your camera”. I should mention that I have had the privilege of attending one of the tourist centre Songkran festivals and had suitably equipped my self for the occasion. I had my underwater housing for my camera with me.
Just up the street from our house seats had been put out and the local elders had been requested to take a seat. The younger set then go past one by one and pour a bit of water on each of the elders and wishing them good luck as they go. Water is laced with some scent at times or small flowers can accompany the small sprinkle of water. Of course though with the official showing of respect out of the way what is one to do with the surplus water? Everyone else cops a serve of course.
The morning proceeds from there with a visit to the local temple. Blessings are received and donations are made. The jury is still out on which one of these matters most to the locals. Preparations are then made for the upcoming street parade. The latter probably having originated from a time when Songkran was all about paying homage to Budha and as a means of strengthening community spirit. The street parade I witnessed was that with just an added touch more.
The lack of town water did nothing to dampen the spirit, (pardon the pun) it was on for young and old. Monks led the parade, the locals followed and bringing up the rear was a pickup loaded to the brim with sound reinforcement equipment. The latter blaring out the local Isan hit of the moment. At about 119 decibels I might add.
As the parade makes it’s way through the village streets water is dispersed in every way possible. Those not taking part in the parade await the arrival of same outside their abode. There they have tubs of water on hand and at times the water may contain ice as well. Given the heat of the day the water can be quite refreshing. However, laden with ice the water will still have a chilling effect.
What was great to watch was the fact that young and old take part. One particular boy had taken a liking to the farang taking part and decided to make it his mission to keep me suitably wet for the duration of the parade. He was dubbed bucket boy.
It should be mentioned at this time that there is the odd occasion during the parade where alcohol is consumed. I noticed bottles of whiskey and soda being poured into water buckets filled with ice and then being handed around freely. I guess one could say it brings about a community spirit. (Sorry)
As a sidebar I would like to add that as a farang, my taking part in the parade was met with only welcoming gestures. After all, they’re all throwing water around. How hard can it be? However, I did get the opportunity to get my own back at times as well.
To be continued…….
What? There's more hill? 