Songkhla, Thailand, April 13, 2024 – Songkran, celebrated from April 13 to 15, is Thailand’s vibrant New Year Festival marked by water fights, cultural rituals and joyful gatherings and Thailand Volleyball Association on Saturday took this good opportunity to hold a traditional ceremony called “Rod-Nam-Dam-Hua” at the BP Samila Beach Hotel & Resort, giving teams and officials chances to join the fun-packed water fights at the hotel vicinity.
A total of 55 teams (29 men’s and 26 women’s teams) from 17 countries consisting of Australia, China, Hong Kong China, India, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Kazakhstan, Macao China, Malaysia, Maldives, New Zealand, Qatar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vanuatu and Vietnam took part in the four-day tournament. All of them had been invited to join the Songkran Water Festival at the end of Day 1 matches, starting from 6pm.
TVA President Mr Somporn Chaibangyang presided over the so-called water-pouring ceremony, regarded as one of the Thailand’s important traditions to ask for forgiveness and blessings from the revered elders. Mr Somporn led TVA officials, participating players, media representatives and working staffs, all dressed in colourful Thai Songkran costumes presented to all players and those concerned as souvenir during the General Technical Meeting the previous day, in this unique ceremony.
As Mr Somporn led all participants in wishing the three elders good health, wealth and prosperity in life, Mr Shanrit delivered a speech in return, wishing everyone a happy and prosperous life and a success in the double-gender Samila Open. After that, Mr Somporn, TVA officials and all participating players queued up and took turns pouring scented water on the palms of the three respected elders comprising AVC Executive Director Mr Shanrit Wongprasert, AVC Referees Committee Chairman Mr Songsak Chareonpong and Referee Delegate Mr Aprelius Balebu from Indonesia. In return, they received their blessings for happiness in life.
Shortly after the end of the “Rod-Nam-Dam-Hua” ceremony, a door of opportunity opened for all and everyone started the fun water fight.
As some splashed water on each other, others filled water guns with cold water and shot out to anyone passing by. It was a happy moment and an unmissable extravaganza, offering a delightful blend of traditional cultural events and exhilarating water splashing activities. Without doubts, there was something for everyone to enjoy.
Earlier, the opening ceremony of the AVC Beach Tour 23rd Samila Open took place at the competition venue, with Songkhla Governor Mr Somnuek Promkhiew and TVA President Mr Somporn Chaibangyang jointly presiding.
Team players paraded after flag bearers of each participating country to join the ceremony, while fantastic dance shows in the opening made a big round of applause from those attending.
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