Songkran (สงกรานต์) is Thailand’s traditional New Year festival, celebrated annually from April 13 to 15, though festivities can extend longer in certain regions. It’s one of the most important and iconic holidays in Thai culture.
Main Features of Songkran:
1. Water Festival • The most famous aspect of Songkran is the nationwide water fights. People splash water on each other in the streets using buckets, water guns, and hoses. • Originally, water was gently poured over elders’ hands to show respect and wash away bad luck. Today, it’s evolved into a joyful, playful street celebration.
2. Spiritual and Cultural Traditions • Visiting temples: People make merit by offering food to monks and participating in rituals. • Sand pagodas: Building sand stupas in temple courtyards symbolizes returning the dirt carried away on one’s feet over the year. • Cleaning homes: A traditional act to sweep out bad fortune and welcome a fresh start. • Rod Nam Dam Hua: A respectful ritual where younger people pour fragrant water on the hands of elders to ask for blessings.
3. Family Reunions • Many Thai people travel back to their hometowns to spend time with family. • Songkran is a time for unity, gratitude, and remembering deceased ancestors.
4. Dates & Locations • Bangkok: Silom Road and Khao San Road are hot spots for massive water fights. • Chiang Mai: Considered the heart of Songkran celebrations, often lasting nearly a week. • Phuket, Pattaya, Hua Hin: Also hold large, lively celebrations.
Fun Facts: • “Songkran” comes from the Sanskrit word saṅkrānti, meaning “astrological passage” or transformation. • It’s tied to the movement of the sun into the Aries constellation. • Although Thailand uses the Gregorian calendar today, Songkran still holds great cultural and spiritual significance.