|
Bangkok
Festivals
Songkran
Festival
April 13-15
 The
traditional Thai New Year is celebrated citywide, most notably at
Sanam Luang, the large field fronting the Grand Palace, where the
revered Phra Buddha Sihing image is displayed and bathed by devotees,
and at Wisutkasat where a Miss Songkran Beauty Contest is accompanied
by merit-making and entertainment. Khao San Road in Banglampoo area
is also one of the high-spots in the city to experience the water-throwing
activities between locals and tourists.
Royal Ploughing Ceremony
May 15
An ancient Brahman ritual, conducted at Sanam Luang, in which farmers
believe is able to forecast the abundance of the next rice crop.
The event is a result of series of ceremonies that are conducted
by Phraya Raek Na, portrayed by a high-ranking official from the
Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives who wears colourful tradition
costumes. This ceremony is considered the official commencement
of the rice-growing season.
H.M. The Queen’s Birthday Celebration
August 12
To display their loyalty and to honour Her Majesty Queen Sirikit
on the occasion of her royal birthday, the Thai people decorate
their houses and public buildings. Around Bangkok, Ratchadamnoen
Avenue, the area around the Grand Palace and other well-known locations
are bedecked with coloured lights and magnificent adornments.
Loi
Krathong
November 10
  It
is an impressive and fascinating festival observed in all parts
of the country on the full moon night of the 12th lunar month, when
the moon is in its splendor and water in all rivers and streams
are full. It is intended primarily as an act of atonement to Mother
River. Small receptacles made of banana leaves fashioned in the
shape of lotus containing incense and candles, flowers and money
are floated as a gesture of expiation. In Bangkok the festival is
celebrated along the Chao Phraya River and canals. Hotels on the
bank of the river also hold special events.
Trooping of the Colours
December 3
Their Majesties the King and Queen preside over this impressive
annual event, held in the Royal Plaza near the equestrian statue
of King Chulalongkorn. Dressed in colorful uniforms, amid much pomp
and ceremony, members of the elite Royal Guards swear allegiance
to the King and march past members of the Royal Family.
H.M. The King’s Birthday Celebrations
December 5
The deep reverence felt by all Thais for their King is perhaps unique
in the modern world, and his birthday provides an annual occasion
for public expression. Government buildings, businesses, and homes
all over the country are elaborately decorated and the area around
the Grand Palace and Ratchadamnoen Avenue are spectacularly illuminated.
On December the 5th a big celebration can be seen at Sanam Luang
at night when thousands of people gather to lit their candles and
sing a song to honour H.M. the King. A long and impressive set of
firework is displayed for this special occasion.
Apart from these major events, Bangkok is also a venue to hold various
events throughout the year. Check the festival calendar in Festivals
& events in the main menu.
|
|
