Songkran…right here in Colombo

Those who have been to Thailand, during the month of April, I’m sure would gleefully remember Songkran…the Water Festival.

I did take in that scene on one occasion and, I must say, it was truly exciting.

I was in Bangkok, at that particular time, and some of the major streets were closed and used as arenas for water fights…with everyone, even tourists, participating in this tradition by splashing water on each other, using water pistols, etc.

Oh, no, you don’t need to pack your bags and head for Thailand, straight away, to experience Songkran.

Yes, it’s happening here, on Sunday, April 7th, at Siam Nivasa, 43, Dr. C.W.W. Kannangara, Mawatha, Colombo 7.

Homemade spread
of sweetmeats at
‘Kavili Kade’

Organised by the Royal Thai Embassy Colombo, the day’s proceedings will include a Sunday Market, from 10.30 am to 3.00 pm, selling Thai noodles, Thai desserts, Papaya salad and grilled chicken, Herbal drinks, Thai tea, Bakery, Fried banana, Jewellery, Grilled fish balls, Pet food, Handicraft products, and many more.

Other activities will be a Thai cultural show at 11.00 am, sprinkling scented water on the Buddha statue, and water-pouring ceremony at 11.30 am, and a Sri Lankan dance at 1.00 pm.

Songkran…for
Sri Lankans

Entrance is FREE and all are welcome, they say; so go and experience a little bit of Songkran…right here in Colombo.

In the meanwhile, the Songkran Festival, the cherished tradition in Thailand, has been officially recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and Thailand is gearing up to host the “World Songkran Festival: Thai Songkran Tradition, a Global Tourist Attraction” from April 1 to 21. This extensive event, I’m told, will span across 76 provinces, nationwide, and 50 districts in Bangkok, showcasing the richness and diversity of Songkran festivities.

Pattaya, a popular tourist spot in Thailand, has long been a steadfast host of traditional Songkran celebrations, and this year’s event, scheduled from April 18 to 20, promises to be unparalleled.

The festivities will feature a procession with the ceremonial bathing of Buddha images and seeking blessings from elders.

Songkran Festival fun in Bangkok

A grand parade of Buddha images and monks will traverse Pattaya Beach Road. Notably, this year will see the introduction of the World Songkran Festival, on April 18-19, at Pattaya Central Beach, offering a unique entertainment experience.

Back home, the Mount Lavinia Hotel will have a hub of traditional festivities at their Avurudu Maha Gedera ‘Kavili Kade,’ commencing April 7th, till April 13th, from 10.00 am to 8.00 pm

The hotel’s courtyard will be the venue for a mouth-watering homemade spread of sweetmeats, and guests will be able to revel in traditional Avurudu games and indulge in a special drinks menu, from 4.00 pm to 8.00 pm.

On the auspicious day of Avurudu, April 14th, the Mount Lavinia Hotel will host a grand National Buffet, accompanied by live traditional music and dancing.