BANGKOK, 15 April 2016 (NNT) - Buddhists in Mae Hong Son, Phayao and Chiang Mai Provinces are celebrating Songkran in the northern Lanna style as they gathered this morning at nearby monasteries to celebrate “Phayawan Day” or the first day of the new year.

Mae Hong Son Governor Pipat Aekpaphand led provincial officials, businesses, residents and tourists in giving alms to 88 monks at Jongkham Temple on the “Phayawan Day” on April 15, considered by Lanna people as the first day of the new year. In the afternoon, “Phra Kantharat” -- the highly revered and sacred Buddha statue of Mae Hong Son is to be carried in a street procession for people to pay homage.

Similar celebrations are being held in Phayao and Chiang Mai, starting with alms giving activities, followed by ceremonies to honor deceased ancestors. Phayao people enjoyed creating sand pagodas and planting flags of the 12 zodiac signs on their sand pagodas before partaking in water festivities.

In Uthai Thani Province, residents are making merit at various temples, especially at Pichai Puranaram which is a notable ancient temple within the province’s Muang District. Families are waiting to form sand pagodas in temple grounds at night -- the custom believed to bring good luck and prosperity for the New Year.

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