"Songkran", the Thai New Year is a time for laughter, celebration, religious ceremonies and merit making ... for families and friends.
And of course the splashing of water for good luck -- lots of it!
Every year divers and fun loving adventure seekers from around the world visit Phuket, Thailand for this particular festival before the beginning of the Monsoon Season. Due to the tsunami and lack of celebration during the regular New Year the local Thai people are hoping that more holiday travelers and friends will join us this year for bringing in the official "Thai New Year".
Please note that this Songkran holiday package is not specifically only for divers and there is enough fun and adventure included in this package to satisfy excitement seekers of all ages. Many different companies are working together for this event to support the seriously tsunami effected economy in Phuket and the employees and families who rely on tourism as their only income.
A little info about "Songkran"
"Songkran" is a word from the Sanskrit language which means to "move into" and refers to the orbit of the sun moving into Aries. It marks the end of a 12-month cycle and the beginning of a new solar year. From the 13th-15th of April, Songkran is the Thai New Year celebration. Known the world-over for its characteristic tradition of water-throwing ranging from a courteous sprinkle or a polite splash, to harmless water pistols and showers from garden hoses and the well-aimed bucket or water-cannon, delivered with a happy smile in a festive spirit. Without a doubt, on the practical side, Songkran is a refreshing solution to "beating the heat" in the hottest and driest season of the year.
There is a however a much deeper significance to "Songkran" which is the process of cleansing and purification - the purging of all ills, misfortune and evil and starting the New Year afresh with all that is good and pure. Water is symbolic of the cleaning process and signifies purity and we believe that this year's event will leave all of you with a very special memory of Phuket and the resilient and openhearted nature of the Thai people.
If you are unsure as to the current conditions in Phuket we hope you will feel free to monitor our local on-line newspaper that is updated daily.
http://www.phuketgazette.net you will find the photo link on the left of the homepage very helpful as it shows the progress of recovery with daily updated images.
For more information you can use this link
www.phuket-scuba-diving.com/songkran.htm or send an e-mail to the primary coordinators at
info@phuket-scuba-diving.com
There are discounts for all MWR as the owner of the dive center in Phuket is a former UDT from back in the 70's. Ask for Richard