Bangkok: Entering the second day of the Songkran Festival, Nakhon Ratchasima has been bustling since the morning. Tourists have been going to temples to make merit for good fortune, participating in activities such as bathing Buddha images and building sand pagodas. The atmosphere is filled with happiness.
According to Thai News Agency, the atmosphere at Wat Sala Loi during the morning of the Songkran Festival or Family Day sees people coming to make merit at the temple in large numbers, most of whom come as families. During the Songkran Festival, the temple has many activities such as joining in making merit by saving the lives of cows and buffaloes, building sand pagodas, pouring water on Buddha images, receiving blessings from monks, and paying homage to ancient Buddha images.
Sala Loi Temple was built by Ya Mo. Inside the temple, there is a chapel in the shape of a sailing junk that won an award for outstanding religious buildings. It is an applied Thai art that uses Dan Kwian terracotta tiles to decorate the walls. There is also a small stupa containing the ashes of Thao Suranari next to the chapel. Therefore, it is considered another landmark of the province where tourists and locals regularly come to receive good energy.
The tourist mentioned that he traveled from Khon Kaen Province and was attached to this temple because he used to work in Nakhon Ratchasima Province. He therefore brought his family to pray for good fortune, which he considered a simple but happy family activity.
The Songkran atmosphere outside Nakhon Ratchasima City, at the end of Lam Takong Reservoir, is lively with many Korat residents and tourists who come to cool off during the Songkran holidays. This spot is a popular place for playing water, especially on weekends, and it gets even more lively.
Although this year the amount of water left in Lam Takong Reservoir has decreased, resulting in reduced water release, this has turned out to be an advantage, allowing children to play in the water safely. At the end of the reservoir, there are shops offering food, drinks, lifebuoys, life jackets, and mats for rent to sit and eat amidst the shady atmosphere under the trees. Some tourists bring their own food, while many choose to buy from shops that provide a full range of services.