Songkran, also known as the Water Festival, represents the coming of the New Year in Thailand.
It has the symbolic significance of welcoming a new year, eliminating disasters, and praying for blessings.
During these days, everyone can splash water together, whether they know each other or not, representing that all bad luck will be washed away by water.
The Water Festival in Thailand is celebrated for three consecutive days from April 13 to 15 every year. It begins on April 13, called Songkran or New Year’s Eve. April 14 is named Wan Klang or Wan Nao, and April 15 is called Wan Taleung.
There are two legends about the origin of the Water Festival in Thailand. It is said that the Water Festival originated from a Hindu Brahminical ritual.
Every year, there is a religious day when the believers go to the river to bathe and wash away their sins.
For those who cannot go to the river due to old age or disability, their family members or close friends are required to carry water back for them and pour water on them to wash away their sins.
Another is derived from a myth.
A few days before Songkran, the god descended to earth each year.
Sometimes, he holds a weapon, sometimes a torch, and sometimes a kettle in his hand.
People rely on these weapons, torches, and kettles to predict the year’s grain harvest.
The weapons foretold war, the torches foretold drought, and the kettles foretold abundant rain.
When the Brahmin priest announced the prediction of the year’s harvest, the people began to pour water, indicating that they would help the sky to send rain.
Useful Tips
1. Leave valuables at the hotel, and don’t take too much cash
In crowded places you should be wary of thieves, pickpockets and fear of thieves stealing the waterproof bag hanging around your neck. Do not take too much cash with you, and just bring enough for the day. When you buy water-splashing equipment, you must pay attention to the size. The Thai government strictly prohibits participants from using water guns with strong spraying power that can cause accidents. (How much this is enforced is anyone’s guess?)
2. Prepare to waterproof your personal belongings in advance
This Festival is full of water everywhere, and your personal belongings must be prepared to to be waterproof. Waterproof cases for cell phones and cameras can avoid damage to electronic items in the water wars. It is also a wise choice to carry cameras with waterproof features, such as Go Pro, to travel during the Water Festival.
3. Wear quick-drying clothes, sneakers, or waterproof shoes
It is best to wear quick-drying and lightweight clothing to take part in the Water Festival. As you may need to run during the water fights, and the road will be slippery, you’d better wear comfortable sneakers/shoes. Water shoes are the best option and relatively cheap here. Women, be modest and do not wear clothes that are see-through when wet.
4. Do not throw water on these people
When participating in water splashing celebrations, please do not splash water on the elderly, pregnant women, infants, and special people such as monks, police officers and camera reporters on duty. Don’t let the celebration get out of hand by splashing people you are not suppose to.
5. Don’t throw ice, dirty water, or use high-pressure water guns
According to Thai police regulations, it is strictly forbidden to use unhygienic water sources such as dirty water or to participate in the water splashing with hot water or ice, and do not use high-pressure water guns. (In recent years, revelers have resorted to using ice cold water, which is not recommended. Be aware a splash with freezing cold water can cause quite a jolt to your body.
6. Watch out for the sexually aggressive
Many revelers use the partying atmosphere of Songkran and large crowd’s closeness to sexually grope women. This is not recommended period. You could start a large fight or worse yet get arrested for assault.
7. Avoid the crazy areas if you travel with young kids
Some areas, like Silom and Khaosan Road, might be excessively chaotic if you bring small children. It’s not easy for you to watch your kids with 1,000’s of people and all the chaos. To enjoy the festival with your kids, it is recommended to celebrate in areas that are less crowded or for children.
8. Songkran Hotspots
Bangkok – Khao San Road, Silom Road, Siam Square, Central World, Soi Cowboy, Nana Plaza
Pattaya – Any sub Soi’s with Go-Go Bars
Chiang Mai – All along the Mote
Phuket – Bangla Road