Songkran water festival

Songkran is the Thai New Year festival, famous for its lively water fights and purification rituals across the country.

About this subject

Songkran, also known as the Water Festival, marks the New Year in the Thai solar calendar. Celebrated from April 13 to 15, it is one of Thailand's most important holidays. The word Songkran derives from the Sanskrit saṅkrānti, meaning 'astrological passage' or 'transformation', symbolizing the transition into the new year. Traditionally, the festival involves cleansing rituals such as pouring water over Buddha images and sprinkling scented water on the hands of elders as a sign of respect and blessing. In modern times, the emphasis has shifted to large public celebrations with water guns, buckets, and hoses, where Thais and tourists engage in water fights in the streets, especially in cities like Chiang Mai and Bangkok. Water represents the purification of sins and washing away bad luck from the previous year. Besides Thailand, similar festivals occur in Cambodia (Choul Chnam Thmey), Laos (Pi Mai), and Myanmar (Thingyan), all sharing common roots in Theravada Buddhism. During Songkran, families gather to prepare special dishes, visit temples, and build sand pagodas. The festival is also a time of renewal and family unity, and was inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2023.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Songkran?

Songkran is the Thai New Year festival, also known as the Water Festival. It is celebrated annually from April 13 to 15 with purification rituals, water fights, and family gatherings.

When is Songkran celebrated?

Songkran is celebrated from April 13 to 15, though festivities may extend for several days in some parts of Thailand.

How do people celebrate Songkran?

People celebrate by performing traditional rituals such as visiting temples, making offerings to monks, and bathing Buddha images. On the streets, they engage in water fights using water guns and buckets, and also conduct family visits and build sand pagodas.