On Saturday 23 April 2016, the Royal Thai Embassy and the Embassy of the Republic of Union of Myanmar in Riyadh co-organized their traditional New Year celebration at the Thai Ambassador’s Residence in Diplomatic Quarter. Saudi officials, diplomatic corps and UN representatives, media and Friends of Thailand/Myanmar were invited to experience this joyful tradition and culture of water.      

            H.E. Mr. Danai  Menabodhi, Charge d’Affaire of Thailand and H.E. Mr. Ko Ko Latt, Myanmar Ambassador welcome distinguished guests to learn their Songkran/Thingyan or known as “Festival of Water” through respectful ceremony,  presentation of colorful New Year and tourism, cultural performances as traditional/folk dances and children’s play as well as delicious cuisines of these two member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).    

            In Thailand, April is the hottest time, so the water splashing fun of the Songkran festival is always welcomed, by Thais and tourists alike. The most culturally important event of Thais, Songkran is a celebration of the traditional Thai New Year, from 13 to 15 April.        

Songkran literally means ‘astrological passage’. It can be interpreted as ‘change’ and ‘cleansing’, a time to usher in a new year and to purify one’s soul and also to do some spring-cleaning. It is also a time of Thais to enjoy with their families.    

            The custom of pouring clean water or mixed with Thai traditional fragrances onto the hands of elders’ (people above 60 years old), by the youngers is to show respect and seek their New Year blessings. This custom is called “Rod Nam Dum Hua”. This is a unique ritual which for centuries has celebrated the significance of water in Thai culture and society as a symbol of purity, prosperity and happiness. 

           For Myanmar people, Thingyan means changing over or transition to Myanmar New Year. Thingyan fell on 12-16 April this year and 17th April is Myanmar New Year Day. Thingyan         is a Festival celebrated three to four days before the New Year comes. It has originated since Bagan Era, the first Kingdom of Myanmar in 11th Century.

            The distinguished feature of Thingyan Festival is pouring or splashing or throwing water each other. In ceremonial occasion, Myanmar people also put scented water in the silver bowl and sprinkle with the bundle of Eugenia leaves. It symbolizes the washing away of the sins, anxieties, problems and discontent of the old year. Resolutions are made on the New Year to start afresh and lead a better life with renewed hope.