MAHA SONGKRAN DAY: THE EVOLUTION OF BELIEFS INTO AN INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE OF HUMANITY

Abstract

The objectives of this academic article were presented to outline guidelines for preserving and disseminating the cultural values of the Songkran tradition, by which the beliefs of Brahmanism (Hinduism) and Buddhism were integrated to ensure its perpetuity; and to promote national and international awareness regarding the significance of the Songkran festival, which eventually was inscribed by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Cultural developments evolved from intertwined beliefs were focused and analyzed within the content, synthesizing Brahmanical (Hindu) astrological concepts regarding the sun's transition into Aries as the New Year mark, with Buddhist practices centered on merit-making, monk and Buddha statue bathing rituals, and expressions of gratitude toward ancestors and elders. Furthermore, the community's way of life, values, and social solidarity were illustrated through the role of water and a case study of water-splashing practices in Thai-Isan culture. In the conclusion of the article, it was indicated that the unique history and intangible identity of this tradition directly resulted in the official declaration of the Songkran festival in Thailand as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. Along with this finalization, body of knowledge and policy recommendations were offered, suggesting that proactive conservation policies, the promotion of creative activities at the community level, and the integration of cultural knowledge into the youth generation should be established by the government and relevant sectors in order to sustain the traditional identity in alignment with international standards.