Thai New Year or Songkran, also known as Songkran Festival, Songkran Splendors, is the Thai New Year’s national holiday.
Songkran is on 13 April every year, but the holiday period extends from 14 to 15 April.
The History of Songkran
The word Songkran comes from the Sanskrit language and means “the passage of the sun from one sign of the Zodiac to another.”
The date was originally set by astrological calculations, but it is now fixed on the 13th of April. The country closes down for the holiday, focusing entirely on the festival and the accompanying holiday rituals.
Songkran is particularly important for Buddhists, and many make pilgrimages to temples throughout the country. Water is poured over statues of the Buddha and onto the hands of the monks as a sign of respect and honor. Many locals take this time to return to their hometowns and visit loved ones.
On the first day of the festivities, it’s common to give the home a thorough cleaning to refresh the space. There are also large processions and parades with statues and images of the Buddha in many cities.
The second day is known as Wan Nao, which is the traditional New Year’s Eve. Many of the more spiritual rituals take place on this day and practicing Buddhists visit temples and build special ‘sand chedis’ or sandcastles made to look like miniature temples.
The third day of the festivities is the 15th, and on this day, offerings are left at the temples and the final festivities are held in cities across Thailand. Throughout the entire three-day event you’ll find people celebrating in the streets, enjoying performances, and pouring water over one another.
Bangkok traditionally has the largest water fights but Pattaya, Chiang Mai and Phuket are not far behind.
Be aware when in large crowds!
Songkran tips:
- You will get wet! Please do not get angry or take offense to this.
- Wear goggles or safety glasses. Be cautious of getting water or powder in your eyes.
- Water tossed may be dirty. Do not swallow.
- Keep your phone and valuables in a water proof pouch.
- Some locations are super crowded. Women need to be on alert that they may be sexually grabbed in these large crowds.
- People will get drunk and obnoxious.
- Avoid splashing water on monks, babies and pregnant women.
- Avoid splashing water on motorcyclists.
- Have fun and enjoy the holiday while being respectful of others.