LAMPANG, 10 April 2017 (NNT) - Several provinces have begun holding pre-Songkran events. While some of the celebrations have been festive, others hearken to the traditional roots of the Thai New Year.

In the northern province of Lampang, a parade was held with drum lines from Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, and South Korea, as well as the four regions of Thailand. The parade marched through several major tourist attractions in the Lampang municipality, promoting the province as well as ushering in the Thai New Year.

In nearby Chiang Mai province, Wat Lok Moli held merit-making activities to mark 16 years since the temple’s restoration, as well as the Thai New Year. The temple is 489 years old and underwent restoration in 2001. Many people visited the temple to listen to religious sermons and pour water on Buddha statues.

In the northeastern province of Roi Et, the local administration organized a Buddha statue-watering activity for nine temples. The religious activities are aimed at ushering in the Thai New Year by paying respects to Buddha, as well as one’s senior relatives.