Songkran

Yes – it’s true that I’m back in Australia but that doesn’t mean I am through sharing some experiences here.

Last week was Songkran in Thailand. Songkran is a 3 day public holiday throughout Thailand, Burma and Cambodia to celebrate their New Year. It is also a 3 day water fight – anywhere, anytime.

I spent Songkran in Bangkok and the festive spirit throughout the city arrived at just the right time given the recent political turmoil.

Some friends from my previous time in Thailand took me to a few different locations to ‘play Songkran’. Armed with a water gun for babies we headed tom some of the hot spots. (Having said that, pretty much anywhere is a hot spot as it’s near impossible to walk 100m down the road without getting a bucket of water thrown on you along with some powder wiped across your cheeks)

When we arrived at our destination it was only a matter of seconds before we were saturated from head to toe. Children, mothers, grandparents, young girls, ‘red shirts’ men, infants, any and all were involved in the activities; throwing water at anyone within shot. And surprisingly, everyone enjoys it. Everyone. No one gets grumpy, frustrated or narky at a bucket of ice cold water poured down ones back or baby powder covering ones face. Everyone smiles. If you don’t want to get wet, don’t go outside. There was such a respectful spirit among all. If one was splashed unexpectedly, there was no revenge or ‘I’ve got to get them back’ or evil stares; just smiles, laughter and respect amongst all.

I unfortunately can’t help but feel that this festive spirit may not be possible in Australia. It wouldn’t be long before someone took it the wrong way and snapped back. But maybe I’m wrong.

Maybe we can learn something from Songkran.