Imagine it: mid April in Thailand. It's hot, humid with temperatures pushing an average of 31°C, the hottest month in Thailand.
But back to the picture I'm trying to draw you: the streets are teeming with people, water is being flung from buses by the bucket load, people are spraying each other with water guns, people are drenching passers by. You wonder, what is going on? Well, it's Songkran or Thai New Year.
There is obvious symbolism associated with the use of so much water. In particular, to cleanse the the bad away and start the year afresh (but it's probably also a reprieve from the heat!).
Being in Australia you don't have to miss the fun. While we might not have the usual three day celebration (Songkran is celebrated from 13 to 15 April) we do get a one day special: Wat Dhammadaro the Thai Buddhist temple in Canberra holds celebrations each year. It includes cultural shows and a food fair. All are welcome and entry is free.
When: Sunday 15 April 2012, 10:00am to 3:00pm
Where: Wat Dhammadaro, 80 Archibald Street, Lyneham, ACT
Given the weather in Canberra, water fights are not guaranteed!
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