A MORE REVERENT SONGKRAN TAKES SHAPE ON THE CHAO PHRAYA
TODAY
ICONSIAM THE ICONIC SONGKRAN FESTIVAL 2021: A series of performances and culturally inspired activities at Charoen Nakhon Hall, as well as delightful activities under seven different themes at Sooksiam, ground floor of Iconsiam, Charoen Nakhon Road. Until April 18. Visit iconsiam.com or call 1338.
SEESAN SEASON FIT: A summer beach market gathering famous dining establishments, at Quartier Avenue, ground floor of EmQuartier, Sukhumvit Road. Until April 18. Call 02-259-8345 or 02-269-1000 ext 1021.
BEJEWELED IN THAI STYLE FAIR: Featuring Thai fine jewellery, exquisite accessories and craft products by prestigious brands belonging to craft masters and famous jewellery designers, at the Iconcraft of Iconsiam, Charoen Nakhon Road. Until April 18. Visit iconsiam.com or call 1338.
THAILAND SONGKRAN FESTIVAL 2021: Featuring contemporary Thai cultural activities derived from the charm and unique local identity, at all 32 Central shopping centres across the country. Until April 18. Visit facebook.com/CPNLife or call 02-021-9999.
THE MARKET SONGKRAN CELEBRATION 2021: Featuring nine replicated Buddha images to pay homage to, Songkran-theme fun activities and a variety of products and foods, at The Market Bangkok, Ratchadamri Road. Until April 18. Visit facebook.com/TheMarketBangkok.
THE DELICACY OF NATURE EXHIBITION: Featuring semi-abstract colourful paintings that show the complexity of nature by Supmanee Chaisansuk, at RCB Galleria 3 of River City Bangkok, Charoen Krung 24. Until April 18. No admission fee. Visit rivercitybangkok.com or call 02-237-0077/8.
“Refreshing Songkran With Purified Mind” is the theme for the “Water Festival 2021”, which will take place at 10 waterfront venues with historical significance from tomorrow until Thursday.
Organised by Thai Beverage in cooperation with many organisations, including the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the sixth edition of the festival will once again take visitors back in time to experience Songkran in a traditional way through many activities that will take place at five royal temples and five famous pier sites along the curve of Chao Phraya River.
They include Wat Phra Chetuphon, Wat Arun, Wat Rakhang, Wat Kalayanamitra, Wat Prayurawongsawas (or Wat Prayoon), Tha Maharaj, Yodpiman River Walk, Asiatique The Riverfront, Lhong 1919 and Sook Siam@ Iconsiam.
There will also be a refreshing Songkran tunnel, a Buddha bathing ritual, merit-making, alms-giving to monks, chanting, cultural performances, community stalls offering local crafts and products, as well as different fun activities at each temple.
Highlights include a demonstration on making flower arrangements, auspicious desserts and scented water and fortune-telling based on 12 zodiac signs and Thai astrology at Wat Phra Chetuphon; and traditional Thai dance and concerts in the garden at Wat Arun.
Wat Kalayanamitra will present a Thai kite show, a lion dance, traditional fencing and boxing performances and a retro luk thung concert while visitors to Wat Prayoon will enjoy a multicultural food contest, a bonzai contest and a temple fair offering local delicacies from the Kudi Chin and Klong San communities.
A temple fair will be offered at both Tha Maharaj and Yodpiman River Walk and a contemporary temple fair and cultural performances will be presented at Asiatique The Riverfront. Lhong 1919 will host a food truck festival while Sooksiam at Iconsiam invites everyone to try traditional delicacies and shop for outstanding products and lucky charms from across the country.
Activities at the temples will run daily from 8.30am to 6pm, except Wat Prayoon, which will be open for Songkran fun from 8am to 10pm. The festival at the other five piers will run from 10am to 10pm, except Asiatique The Riverfront, which will kick off the fun at 5pm.
There is no admission fee and free shuttle-boat service to the 10 piers will be available from 8am-10pm on all three days.