A Lesser Known Side of Songkran

Think of Songkran and people will instinctively think of people wildly splashing of water in the street. Nothing's wrong with that. But here I want to show a lesser known aspect of this festival.

First off, Songkran is the new year celebration of Thailand and any other countries in the region that also celebrate this holiday. So the significance of this holiday goes far beyond the fun of water splashing. This is also the time of religious worship and tradition. It is also a chance for the younger generation to pay respect to the older generation, family members and teachers alike.

For this particular post I will skip the details of the things that took place and just let the photographs themselves tell the story.

Christmas in Bangkok 2011

In Bangkok, people take Christmas celebration very seriously. At least for a country where Buddhism is the state religion with over 90% of the population belonging to that faith. The Christmas period is not even a national holiday. But that does not stop us from celebrating Christmas and putting together impressive decorations in public. Most of us may not celebrate it for religious reasons, but we really get into the whole festive mood and Christmas spirit.

On the surface, it is very obvious there is a commercial angle for doing this. But personally I don't mind (much). Whatever get the people in a festive and joyous mood is a good thing. At least once a year, everybody should have a good excuse to celebrate and have a good time together.

Here's some of the pictures from all over the city.

Father's Day 2011

December 5, 2011. The King's Birthday, as well as Father's Day in Thailand. Very similar to the Queen's Birthday and Mother's Day, major celebration is guaranteed. With massive crowd and the streets lighted up the night, firework and candles light and floating lamps, I tried to capture the sense of place and the event that took place on that jubilant night as the people of Thailand gathered to celebrate our King's birthday.

Here's the photos.

Long Live the King.

First post: Mother's Day 2011

What better way to start a new photo blog with a set of photos from Thailand's Mother's day from August 12th 2011. My sentiments here are two folds. Firstly, it is the day itself and what it signifies. The day celebrates mothers and motherhood and the wonder of bringing a new life into this world. For this alone I think this photo set is perfect to start off my new photo blog.

Another reason is that day was the first day I started using my new camera, Canon EOS 7D. I didn't plan for this, but a new camera for a new blog...I kinda like the idea.

In Thailand, Mother's day is celebrated on the 12th of August, which is the Queen's birthday. These photos were taken on Ratchadamnoen road where lightings and decorations such as these can be expected.