Songkran is a special time of the year in Chiangmai and one of the nicest parts of this festive holiday is the pouring of water. Traditionally, younger people pay respect to their elders by pouring water from silver bowls on the hands of older persons. This ceremony is known as "Rod Nahm Dum Hua." After the family pays respect the elders ask the younger ones to forgive them for speaking harshly during the past year and the elders give them a blessing and words of wisdom. This is much different from the fun-loving water throwing we see around Chiangmai at Songkran, and it is often accompanied by the tying of strings around the person's wrists. This activity is done in the home while the more vigorous water throwing is done outside.

Meanwhile, in the streets of Chiangmai throngs of people love to stand in rows, waiting with buckets and hoses to douse everyone going by. Whether you're on a motorbike or a bicycle, in a car or a truck or just walking, you cannot escape the fun of Songkran. The Chiangmai people always seem to find a way to make sure you have as much fun as they do. Water throwing is one of the most humorous and enjoyable parts of the Songkran festival. It can happen anywhere, and while you're here during Songkran you can enjoy it as much as everyone else. If you're coming into Chiangmai by train you might want to dress appropriately; that is, you might want to dress for fun. The passenger, sitting comfortably in a railway car, can receive an accidental splash through the window from the frolicking festivities outside.

While all of this is going, on, lest we forget the moving water vehicles, be prepared for pickup trucks filled with splashers going by at every corner. This crowd tends to over do it and they don't quite seem to understand the concept of gravity ! That water can be very heavy coming down from above. All of this is loads of fun, and as the Thais say, "It's Sanook-Dee", but there are cautions involved and one should be aware that accidents do happen during the Songkran Festival. Be aware, be smart, and have fun.

See the related articles:

• Happy New Year ( Buddhist Era 2544 ) Sawadee Pee Mai
• How to Throw Water During Songkran
• Mural Paintings of The Traditional Chiangmai Songkran Festival
• Origins of the Songkran Festival
• Rites of Songkran (Thai New Year)
• Songkran Customs: Old and New
• Songkran in Chiang Mai
• The Formal Side of Songkran (New Year) Festival
• The Songkran Festival in Lamphun