SONGKRAN AT MAHASARAKHAM UNIVERSITY

Songkran ceremonies and celebrations are held early at MSU as many students travel to their respective homes for the official holiday to the nineteen Isan Provinces from which MSU draws its students.

 MSU President Dr. Supachai Samappito led a full day of Songkran ceremonies and festivities which were celebrated on April 8. Commencing at 7 am Dr.Supachai, MSU Executives and many others visited the City Pillar and then the Buddha at the MSU Northeastern Arts and Culture centre for a bathing ceremony.

At noon there was a merit making ceremony held in the grounds of the President’s Building. which preceded a grand parade followed by a full afternoon of entertainment, festivities and competitions. There was a beauty competition, popularity competition, dancing competition and a talent quest.

It is times such as these the full kindness, joy of life and welcoming attitude of Isan people is exemplified.

For any foreigner these goings on seem all very delightful and surprising while at the same time very strange so it is natural to feel a little out of place. Isan people soon make you feel comfortable and at ease as you are gently invited to participate in all ceremonies and festivities.

You do not feel excluded in the religious merit making ceremonies. You are invited to participate and are not ridiculed if you make a faux pas. You can join in with the parade and you can join in the dancing no matter how awkward your style. Isan people, both male and female, sing and dance from the time they are born and the exuberance and pure joy of the celebration combined with the loud and lively traditional and modern Isan music make it almost impossible for one not to join in and share the wonderful feelings.

The breathtaking beauty and colour of the traditional costumes, the adrenalin of the non-stop loud music, the elegance of movement accompanied by ubiquitous smiles make the Songkran festivities an unforgettable experience. A celebration of this kind should be on everybody’s ‘Things to Experience In My Lifetime’ list. ...more pics