In March when the wind never fails to blow and the
sky is clear and bright, people go to Sanam Luang, the main ground
opposite the Grand Palace, to join or watch kite flying, an activity
popular in this country since ancient times.
A Thai kite fighting contest is held annually.
Bangkok Songkran Festival ( April )
The traditional Thai New Year, joyfully celebrated
citywide and countrywide with rituals of merit making, cleaning
houses, honouring elders, parades of dancers and music troupes,
and boat races. In Bangkok the event is held in grand-scale around
the Rattanakosin Island, i.e. the Grand Palace and Sanam Luang area,
and the nearby Khaosan Road.
The revered Phra Buddha Sihing image will be carried
to Sanam Luang to be bathed by devotees. What makes the festival
most fun and interesting is water splashing.
Loi Krathong (1 - 5 Nov 06)
The event is observed citywide and nationwide. In
the evening, people gather at the waterside to float krathong, lotus-shaped
vessels lovely decorated with flowers and lit candles, as a thanksgiving
and worship to the Goddess of Water. There are also fun fairs, concerts,
beauty contests and other entertainment activities.
Golden Mount Fair (November or December)
Annually held 7 nights and 8 days (from the 11th day of the waxing moon of the 12th lunar month to the 3rd of the waning moon of the same month), the event's purpose is to worship the Buddha's relics enshrined in the Golden Mount in the compound of Saket Temple. It features folk plays, sales of foods and other products, and amusements.
