Songkran Has Begun!

It's Songkran here in Thailand, which means that the party is in full swing!

Oh, to be young again! The Japanese students are getting their groove on with some Thai med students.

When I planned this trip, I had no idea that it would coincide with Songran, the Thai New Year, but it has! Every year from April 13-15, Thais celebrate with a huge water festival.

I don't know if you can tell, but we are all partially wet and standing under a sprinkler for this photo.

There's more to Songkran that just big water fights, but I think that's probably the most well-known part. The water is actually supposed to represent cleansing of the past year, and there is a religious component to the ceremony as well.

On the first day of Songkran, you are supposed to pay respect to the elders by bowing to them and pouring a small amount of fragrant water (with flowers) over their hands. In return, they sprinkle you with the water and give you a blessing. There is usually also a Buddha figurine somewhere (as is the norm) and you pour water over it too, but I'm not sure on the specifics of what you do or why because I didn't participate in that part of the ceremony (sorry!). 

Also, there is also food. Lots and lots of food wherever you go!

At the university, the pediatrics department had their own Songkran party on Wednesday. Gen, one of the Japanese students, and I took part.

We were briefly instructed on what we were supposed to do and we stood in line, and watched the Thai students first.

First, we knelt and presented the older professors with fragrant jasmine and marigold bouquets.

Then, we poured a small amount of water over their hands. 

Gen was the water pourer. I was the water catcher. We were pretty skillful in our system.

And finally, the professors either sprinkled or drizzled a small amount of water onto our shoulders and "blessed" us. I was wished everything from happiness, a successful medical career, a good time in Thailand, and a wonderful experience at Khon Kaen University.

If this is not a photo for an International Medicine brochure, I don't know what is. SOMEONE PUT MY FACE ON A BROCHURE!

And then afterwards? It. was. craziness.

Notice the soaking wet hospital floor and huge buckets of water. We did that.

The Ob/gyn department had finished their Songkran party a few minutes before us and they came rushing over with cups, buckets, and bowls of ice cold water. At first, it was a nice little tossing of water in our general direction, but by the end, people were outright dumping entire bowls of water over each others' heads.

Gen and I went home after this ceremony, but I'm not sure what the other residents and doctors did. I know it's hot here and you'll dry fast, but we were all SOAKED. Before we left the hospital, I suggested to Gen that we stop and give our professor (who was not at the party) some flower bouquets. Before we entered his office, I had to stop outside and WRING MY DRESS OUT because it was dripping down my legs.

Today, at the university, the whole campus was transformed into a huge Songkran festival and we were all excused from our clinical duties. 

First, we lined up to take part in a parade early this morning. Everyone wears brightly colored flowered shirts for Songkran and there are entire street stands and stalls dedicated to these shirts. Earlier in the week, the international medicine officers took us to buy shirts for today's parade.

I know. We're adorable.

Then, the parade started.

We marched all around the university and eventually, to the hospital.

As we marched, mischievous faculty and spectators splashed us with water. In this case, they sprayed a hose directly at us! Songkran. It is all about the water.

Once back at the hospital, there was a stage set up where there were various acts, including instrumental performances, dancing, a musical with traditional Thai costumes, a presentation by the university president, and a Ms. Songkran competition. 

The women in pink (below) led the parade with a drum processional and danced for a long time once we got to the hospital. THEN, they formed a human pyramid! It is worth noting that they were all at least in their 50s and it is terrifying to watch osteopenic women climb on top of one another.

No one fall!

The rest of the hospital courtyard was transformed into a fair with games and food. All of the photos have a greenish tinge because huge green tarps were slung between the buildings to provide a shaded area for the courtyard.

Perhaps the best part was seeing patients, in their hospital gowns, walking around the fair, playing games, and eating street food. It was awesome! Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures because when water is being slung about, it's usually better to put your phone away--preferably in a plastic baggie. (Don't worry, no one threw water on the sick patients!)

Monday is the official start of Songkran, but there will be parties going on all this weekend and next week. Monday is the day to honor the elders and Buddha with the water cleansing ceremony. Tuesday is a day to spend with family. Wednesday is the huge all day water fight in the streets.

We are excused from clinical duties because everything shuts down for people go home to spend the holiday with their families. I'll be in Bangkok and Chiang Mai on my unexpected 5 day vacation! Peace out.

One of the Japanese students let a Thai girl put makeup on him for fun. Oh, young love!