EXPERIENCE SONGKRAN WATER FESTIVAL IN THAILAND
Songkran, or Thai New Year, is observed from April 13 until April 16. As a manner of showing gratitude for raising one as a kid, Songkran has long been a time to spend with family elders, especially parents. The family often visits the nearby Buddhist temple, where they wash the Buddha statues with water and scent. This is thought to bring wealth and good fortune for the upcoming year.
What is Songkran?
The Thai water festival of Songkran, also known as "the Passage of the Sun" in the ancient Sanskrit language, is a vibrant celebration that marks the start of a new year. The building of sand chedis (Buddhist stupas), which symbolise respect for the Buddhist faith, or day-long water fights that wash away bad luck from the previous year are just two of the enchanting traditions, or merits, that are performed in the hope of being blessed with prosperity for the coming year.
Photo by Arisa Chattasa
These customs are still followed today, however the water tossing is the most obvious one during Songkran. Songkran occurs just before the arrival of the Southwest Monsoon, when it's the hottest time of year in Thailand. Thai people used to show respect for one another by drizzling a little water on their hands. In more recent times, the custom has developed into massive water fights when everyone participates in thoroughly soaking one another. Because of how hot it is, most people are happy about it.
People of all ages, occupations, and backgrounds participate in the "sanuk," which is Thai for "fun," donning colourful water guns, buckets, and hoses, and dousing each other with water while grinning. After sunset, the excitement normally dies down, but as the tropical sun rises early the fun usually picks back up.
Phoho by Lishui
Where to celebrate Songkran
Bangkok
The largest Songkran event in Thailand is held on Khao San Road in Bangkok's backpacker neighbourhood. The New Year's celebrations officially start with this televised event, which is preceded by a magnificent opening ceremony. Locals and visitors are urged to dress in traditional Thai clothes and make merit at a variety of temples, including Bangkok's most well-known: Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, in addition to participating in the customary forms of celebration.
Ayutthaya
See a more traditional celebration in the historic city of Ayutthaya, where Songkran is marked with early morning almsgiving to monks and the respectful release of fish and birds into their natural habitat.
Chiang Mai
Seeing or participating in the bathing or cleansing of the Buddha image is a must if you're in Chiang Mai during Songkran. This mesmerising custom depicts villagers carefully pouring tiny bowls of water perfumed with jasmine over a Buddha statue three times while requesting the following blessings:
- May I banish all negative ideas.
- Please help me to cultivate positive acts.
- May I contribute to the preservation of all life?
During the parade, the villagers wash the elders' hands as a sign of respect before splashing water over one another to celebrate and wish one another well.
Phuket
Prepare to be wet as you celebrate Songkran on the Beach at Phuket's Patong Beach. Participants throw water at one other as a manner of wiping away any bad luck from the previous year. Water cannons, water pistols, and buckets in the streets are used to liven up family-friendly street events, providing a cool change from the hot Phuket heat.
Pattaya
The Songkran celebration in Pattaya is in keeping with the city's size, boldness, and vibrancy. The celebrations here truly come to life at night with nonstop parties, amicable water battles, and endearing contests like rice stacking and Miss Songkran International.