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The
Songkran Festival 13 Apr 2009 - 15 Apr 2009 lasts for several days
and is a traditional celebration that welcomes in the Thai New Year.
On the first day
it is traditional for Thais to clean their house in preparation for
the year ahead. The following day is given over to the preparation of
food and special meals to be consumed over the coming days. The third
day is the start of the Thai New Year and is marked by religious
ceremonies which usually take place early in the morning. Come the
afternoon, it's time for the water fights which rage through the
streets during which everybody, including tourists, are targets.
Water throwing and
splashing and water gunning is a main event during Songkran; almost
everyone participates and there are few rules, giving anyone the
right to ambush anyone else and completely drench them from head to
toe. This could also be accompanied by "Pra-pang" or
smearing liquid talcum powder on people's faces and on vehicles -
although the talcum playing is discouraged in some provinces.
Many Songkran
water players will carry a water tank and the entire family in the
back of their pick-up truck and drive around the town as a full
assault vehicle. Most people gather on the streets and in front of
their businesses with buckets of water ready cool off anybody that
passes by.
If you cannot get
to Thailand for this fun event why not celebrate in London at the
fabulous Blue Elephant in Fulham Broadway. They have a special menu
for you to enjoy - either vegetarian or non vegetarian for £30.
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