THE ICONIC SONGKRAN FESTIVAL

For five days in April, ICONSIAM mall in Bangkok staged a gorgeous and magnificent celebration of Thailand's traditional New Year with the iconic Songkran Festival 2019. From 11 to 15 April, visitors basked in various activities and entertainment. Hosted by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, ICONSIAM and the Department of Cultural Promotion of the Ministry of Culture, and in association with government and private sector bodies like the Bangkok Metropolitan Cultural Council, Kasikorn Bank and more, the grand celebration showcased non-stop Thai traditional cultural activities.

One of the highlights of the event was the Buddha-bathing ceremony, where devout Buddhists poured scented water on Buddha images – believed to bring

New Year blessings. The Songkran Exhibition featured the festival's history and traditions, with charming shows and performances, including the Viva Songkran Dance, Silk Reeling Dance, traditional drumming (Klong-sa-bad- Chai) and the traditional northeast Thailand dance Vihanee Serng Tung Wai.

Visitors were especially entertained by the traditional Thai heritage workshops that they could participate in for free. The activities included making scented fans and scented water, painting Thai patterns on fabrics, carving fruit and vegetables, and dressing up in traditional Thai costumes for photos.

Vice Chairman of ICONSIAM Narong Chearavanont said, “ICONSIAM has always cherished the Chaophraya River and the Thai culture and traditions that have flourished along the river. For this Thai Traditional New Year, our focal point is definitely staging a feast to preserve and pass on the Thai cultural heritage to the world.” wisatathailand.id