Songkran Festival - Thailand's New Year Water Festival

Songkran is an annual festival marking the Thai New Year. It spans several days in mid-April and has gained global attention for its water fights that symbolize purification and washing away sins from the previous year.

The word 'Songkran' originates from Sanskrit meaning ‘passing’ or ‘approaching.'

Why is the Thai New Year Celebrated in April? History and Origin

Unlike many countries that celebrate their new year on January 1st, Thais welcome their new year around April 13-15th. This date marks when the sun transitions from Pisces to Aries – a period known as the "astrological passage".

Historically, this was timed with harvest season after a long dry spell; hence it made sense for people to cleanse themselves (physically and spiritually) with water before embarking on another farming cycle.

How is Songkran Celebrated?

Water plays a significant role in Songkran festivities, especially today, with water throwing being a major highlight of the celebrations. If you're in Thailand during this time, expect to be thoroughly drenched! Crowds roam around dousing everyone nearby with buckets of water or using squirt guns.

The festival also emphasizes family values and many Thais travel back to their hometowns to spend quality time with elderly relatives.

During Songkran, Buddhists pay visits to temples where they show respect by pouring water over Buddha statues and onto the hands of Buddhist monks.

Thai people have a tradition of releasing birds and fish back into their natural environments. This practice is rooted in their Buddhist beliefs, as they believe freeing these creatures will bring them good luck.

During the Festival, Thai people participate in building sand pagodas on temple grounds. They take sand to temples which can be used for constructing these structures or for repairing the temples themselves. It's considered especially virtuous to assist with maintaining temples and aiding monks during this festival time.

Where is Songkran Celebrated in Thailand?

The celebration takes place across Thailand, but key hotspots include

• Bangkok’s Silom Road, Khao San Road

• Chiang Mai’s Old City

• Pattaya Beach Road

• Phuket’s Patong Beach

These places turn into massive street parties where locals and tourists engage in friendly water fights while enjoying traditional music & dance performances.

Tips for the Best Songkran Experience

Dress Appropriately: Stick to lightweight clothes as you will get wet! Remember also that despite being a fun festival, it remains deeply rooted in Buddhist tradition so ensure your clothing respects local customs. It is seen as inappropriate to wear revealing clothes or swimwear during this time.

Waterproof Your Belongings: Keep electronics like phones or cameras inside waterproof bags. You'll also notice goggles available for purchase, the need for which will become clear when you experience getting sprayed in the eyes.

Use Public Transport: Many roads are closed during festivities making private transportation tricky. It's advisable to reserve your hotel accommodations early since this is a peak time for vacationers. The festivities typically begin at 10 in the morning and continue until 8 in the evening.

Participate Respectfully: Remember that this festival has deep spiritual roots for the locals, so participate in a respectful manner.

Show respect to monks, elders, babies, pregnant ladies and working people by not soaking them during the water fight. Always use clean water and squirt guns that aren't too powerful - avoid aiming for the eyes.

Don't forget to greet everyone with 'Sawadee Bee Mai', which is Thai for 'Happy New Year'.

Small-town festivities can be just as enjoyable as those held in larger towns or beach resorts due to their unique local charm. Bear in mind that getting splashed is all part of the fun and should be taken lightly. But if it's something you'd rather avoid, staying indoors or within your hotel premises would work best during this period.

If you're considering a trip to Thailand in April, the Songkran festival is an incredible event. It's one of the most anticipated times of the year with locals enthusiastically inviting visitors to partake in the celebrations. If getting soaked isn't your thing, then it might not be ideal for you. However, if experiencing authentic Thai culture interests you, there's no better time to go.

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