Time of renewal: Devotees offering prayers at Wat Chetawan in Petaling Jaya during Songkran. — YAP CHEE HONG/The Star
TUMPAT: More than 500 members of the Siamese community in Kampung Terbok did not miss the opportunity to celebrate Songkran, which was held in full swing at the Wat Pikulthong temple compound here.
Residents attended the three-day annual festival that began on Sunday in conjunction with the Siamese New Year.
Popularly known as the “water festival”, it is typically celebrated in April, with the main dates falling between April 13 and 15.
Rajoo Natrapong, 40, said he brought his three children to join in the festivities, which is eagerly awaited by the local Siamese community each year.
“Children and teenagers are the most excited because they can play freely and splash water without getting scolded.
“Many also prefer using water guns and the water is often mixed with powder to create a fragrant scent,” he said, Bernama reported.
A teacher, Mei Ling, 50, described this year’s Songkran celebration as fitting given the hot weather.
“There were also many visitors from outside Kelantan. They looked excited to see the harmony of the Siamese community living peacefully while also mingling with other races.
“Some may choose to celebrate Songkran in Thailand, but for me, it’s more meaningful to do so in my own country,” she said.
On Sunday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim delivered Siamese New Year celebration greetings, urging the community to continue strengthening unity among people of various races and religions.
In a post uploaded to his social media account, Anwar emphasised the importance of rejecting slander, prejudice and divisive sentiments, which only bring harm.
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