The Kowloon City Songkran Festival cancelled for two consecutive years: Thai citizens sang, danced and celebrated the festival: save back water

Social News

Written by: Huang Yingjin

2021-04-11 16:42

Last update date: 2021-04-11 16:42

April 13-15 is the Thai New Year's "Songkran Festival". Every year, Thais organize water splashing activities in Kowloon City.

However, under the influence of the new crown epidemic, the Songkran Festival has been cancelled for two consecutive years. At present, only a few stalls have festive decorations. Some Thai people sang and danced at the entrance of the store, and the bustling scene of the past will no longer be seen.

Some Thais who have lived in Hong Kong for many years admitted frankly that they were disappointed, saying, "It seems like they are wild." Some Thai citizens laughed and said that if the Songkran Festival is not held, they can "return to the water" and "If there is no excitement, it is not important.

The reporter visited the area of ​​Kowloon City, known as "Little Thailand" today (11th), and found that the streets were as usual, with only a few stalls run by Thais with festive decorations.

Disappointed with the cancellation of the Songkran Festival: the atmosphere is far from it

Ms. Zhang, who has lived in Hong Kong for more than 30 years, runs a money changer on Longgang Road.

Before the first day of the festival, Ms. Zhang had placed some festive decorations at the entrance of the shop, including statues of Buddha and flowers carved from watermelons and radishes.

Under the epidemic, the Songkran Festival has been cancelled for the second year in a row. Ms. Zhang said frankly that she was disappointed: "It's a plan, it's really disappointing! The atmosphere is so far away, it's easy to splash water, and you can relax!" , Ms. Zhang invited the Buddha statues that were originally placed in the store to let people drench them and make a wish. She wished in Thai: "I wish everyone good health, all wishes come true, business is prosperous, and happy!"

Sprinkle water to enshrine the Buddha, make a wish, talcum powder, wipe your face and exchange blessings

Having lived in Hong Kong for 50 years, Ms. Chen, who runs a grocery store in Seongnam-do, also invited the Buddha statue out and placed it at the entrance of the store for passers-by to shower it with water.

She felt "indifferent" to the cancellation of the Songkran Festival, and even laughed and said, "It's not enough, save money." She hopes that the epidemic will end next year, and it will be fine to play again. At this stage, just having a meal with her family is enough to be happy.

Ms. Chen also pointed out that Thailand forbids people from holding celebrations due to the epidemic, and if they are found, they will be "caught up and beaten up."

Xiaohua, who runs a Thai folk costume stall, therefore feels fortunate that she is in Hong Kong, saying, "Thailand is not fun, but you have to have fun."

Although the water splashing event was cancelled, she and a group of friends still sang and danced, sprinkling a small amount of water from a mineral water bottle instead of splashing water, and wiped their faces with talcum powder to bless each other.

Thai groups only allow up to 4 people to worship Buddha in accordance with the restrictions on gatherings

There was also the Thai Regional Alliance held a religious ceremony, invited Buddha statues upstairs, and performed singing and dancing ceremonies to wish a good harvest. Dozens of citizens watched.

Vice Chairman Mike said that in response to the epidemic, the group will only celebrate today this year, and only allow up to 4 people to go upstairs to worship Buddha at a time to comply with the government's order to restrict gatherings.

Although she was disappointed with the cancellation of the water-splashing festival, she also pointed out: "There is no way, everyone must cooperate and everyone must be careful."

[Songkran·Multi-pictures] Over a thousand people participated in the water war party raincoat swimsuit water gun battle

Water splashes in Kowloon City Water Festival, more than a hundred citizens are not afraid of getting wet

"Splashing Water Festival" held a parade of Thai-style fairies on the streets of Kowloon City on Sunday

[01 Video] "Little Thailand" Songkran Festival, regardless of race, you and I play in the water

01News

Songkran