Bangkok: Local Festivals
H.M. The King's Birthday Celebrations
December 5 , Nationwide
H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world’s longest reigning monarch, is well beloved and deeply repected by all Thais old and young. The occasion of his royal birthday provides his loyal subjects the opportunity to express their reverence for him. All over the country, buildings and homes are elaborated and the area around the Grand Palace is spectacularly illuminated.
H.M.The Queen's Birthday Celebration
August 12 , Nationwide
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 adorntments.
Loi Krathong
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.
Bangkok Songkran Festival
April 12-14 , Sanam Luang and citywide, Bangkok
The traditional Thai New Year is an occasion for merriment all over the city, but most notably at Sanam Luang, near the Grand Palace, where the revered Phra Buddha Sihing image is displayed and bathed by devotees. In the Wisutkasat area, a Miss Songkran beauty contest is held and accompanied by merit-making and entertainment. Khao San Road, Bang Lamphu area is also one of the high-spots in the city to experience the water-throwing activities between locals and tourists - of course, all in good fun !!
Trooping Of The Colours
December , The Royal Plaza, Bangkok
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 colourful 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.
Magha Puja
This important Buddhist holy day marks the auspicious occasion when 1,250 of Lord Buddha’s aherents spontaneously congregated to hear him give a sermon. Merit-making ceremonies are held during the day at temples throughout the country, while at night, triple candlelit cireumambulation are staged around major temples.
New Year Celebrations
January 1 , Nationwide
To welcome in the New Year, a range of uniquely Thai traditional and cultural festivities that begin with early morning Buddhist merit making, and afternoon and evening folk entertainment are conducted in various parts of the country.
Asalha Puja
The full-moon day of the eighth lunar month marks the preaching of Lord Buddha’s first sermon to his first five disciples after attaining Enlightenment more than 2,500 years ago. In the evening, candlelit processions take place in Buddhist temples around the country.
Khao Phansa (Buddhist Lent)
This day marks the commencement of the Buddhist Lent or Phansa during which monks must reside inside their temples to study and meditate. This is also the most auspicious time for Buddhist ordinations since it marks a period of renewed spiritual vigour.
Visakha Puja
This is the holiest of all the auspicious Buddhist religious days, marking the birth, enlightenment, and death of Lord Buddha. All over the country, people go to temples to listen to sermons by revered monks and make merit. Shortly after sunset. candlelit circumambulations take place around major temples.
Royal Ploughing Ceremony
May 11 , Sanam Luang, Bangkok
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 a 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 traditional costumes. This ceremony was re-introduced in 1960 by H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej and is considered the official commencement of the rice-growing season.
Thai Beer Festival
November - Junuary , Citywide, Bangkok
Every year, the various Thai breweries get together to conduct a Thai Beer Festival, which highlights sales of barbecued food, exotic Thai cuisine and of course beer. To add to this atmosphere of merriment, there are music and cultural performances for everyone to enjoy. Tourists can see this event, especially at the World Trade Centre and other locations around the city.
