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Songkran festival of Thailand recognised UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage

The Songkran festival of Thailand has been formally recognised as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).
Songkran festival of Thailand recognised UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage ảnh 1UNESCO on December 6 officially designated the Thai festival of Songkran as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. (Photo: thethaiger.com)

Bangkok (VNA) – The Songkran festival of Thailand has beenformally recognised as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by the United Nations Educational, Scientific andCultural Organisation (UNESCO).

The official announcement was made atthe Intergovernmental Committee meeting for Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritagein Botswana on December 6.

According to Prime Minister SretthaThavisin, Songkran is a tradition that has beeninherited by Thai people for generations, reflecting their gratitude toancestors and embodying the spirit of unity.

Songkran is thetraditional Thai New Year celebrated nationwide on April 13-15 each year.Activities include offering alms to monks, cultural performances andwater-splashing activities.

Songkran promotes communitycooperation, unity and forgiveness. It is viewed as a time to symbolically washaway misfortunes, pray for prosperity for the coming year, reunite with familymembers, and honour ancestors and older adults, UNESCO said in a statement.

By emphasising the importance of olderadults and of family, Songkran helps to combat loneliness and social isolation,it said.

Thais were invited to participate invarious activities to mark the listing in Bangkok on December 7.

Prime Minister Srettha said that thegovernment is ready to welcome tourists from all over the world to participateand experience the Songkran festival./.

VNA
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