Songkran Festival Dates
13th April to 15th April, every yearOfficially taking place on the 13th of April each year, Songkran is a national holiday in Thailand. However, most celebrations start at least a week in advance and go on until the 16th of April. It's a week full of cheer, celebration, and reflection on the year that has passed. The word 'Songkran' comes from the Sanskrit word 'samkranti', which means change or transformation, and it is on this note that the Thai people bring in the New Year. It is customary to wish each other 'sawatdee pi mai' or 'Happy New Year'.
The Water Festival of Thailand
Songkran is often referred to as the "Water Festival" because the most recognizable aspect of the celebration is the massive water fights that take place nationwide. People, young and old, take to the streets armed with water guns, hoses, and buckets, dousing one another in a playful and refreshing way. The water symbolizes cleansing and renewal, as well as the washing away of bad luck.
Songkran Celebration
Songkran is a festival that is popular across Thailand, although each region celebrates it differently. In the north, people celebrate by making tons of food to distribute between family, friends, and monks at the temple, as well as bursting firecrackers at night. In central Thailand, people clean up their houses and dress in traditional attire. Another symbolic gesture here is the release of wild animals like birds and fish. In the east, it is customary to visit temples, create sand pagodas, and prepare food for elderly members of the family. In the south, people commemorate Songkran by avoiding spending money and being truthful.
- Tradition and Respect: While the water fights are exuberant and fun, Songkran is deeply rooted in tradition and respect. It's a time for Thais to pay respects to their elders by pouring scented water over their hands and asking for blessings. It's also a time to visit temples and make merit by giving offerings and joining ceremonies.
- Religious Observance: Many Thais take part in religious rituals during Songkran, including the pouring of water over Buddha images to cleanse them. This is done in a solemn and respectful manner at temples across the country.
- Traditional Attire: During Songkran, many people wear traditional Thai clothing, such as brightly colored sarongs and shirts. This adds to the festive atmosphere and showcases the rich cultural heritage of Thailand.
- Street Parties: In many cities, particularly in Chiang Mai and Bangkok, the streets are filled with revelers, live music, dance performances, and elaborate parades. These events bring together both locals and tourists for a memorable experience.
- Delicious Food: Songkran is an occasion for families to gather and enjoy special holiday meals. Thai dishes like Som Tum (spicy papaya salad), Pad Thai, and mango sticky rice are commonly prepared and shared.
- Community Bonding: Songkran fosters a strong sense of community and camaraderie. It's a time when Thais return to their hometowns to be with family and friends.
- Water Blessings: In addition to playful water fights, you may also witness water blessings performed by monks. The act of pouring water over a monk's hands is considered an act of merit.
- Floral Displays: Beautiful floral displays, such as intricate sand chedis and other sculptures, are created in temples and on the streets. These intricate designs are known as "sand pagodas."
- Street Markets: During Songkran, vibrant street markets with local handicrafts, traditional clothing, and delicious street food spring up, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in Thai culture.
Where is Songkran Celebrated in Thailand?
Phuket is another centre for celebrations. You're bound to see dozens of beach parties during this time, especially in the commercial areas of Patong Beach, Bangla Road, and Saphan Hin Park. In northern Thailand, the party city of Pattaya offers fantastic parties as well. If you are in Koh Samui at this time, you can catch the festivities, too, albeit toned down from the ones celebrated in Phuket and Pattaya. Chaweng Beach is a popular spot for the celebrations of the Thai New Year, which hosts wild parties. The coastal side of western Koh Samui is a place where you can enjoy the Songkran festival, which is celebrated traditionally.
For those seeking a more somber celebration experience, the historic city of Chiang Mai is an excellent place to go. As the former capital of the Lanna kingdom, which continues to retain moats and vestiges of castles, it is a cultural and religious centre. Every year, it sees traditional celebrations of Songkran. People gather at Thapae Gate next to a network of canals that was once a fortress for the 'Old City'. For a Songkran experience in a temple, Wat Ratchabophit and Wat Prayoon in Bangkok are tranquil locations.
Significance of Songkran Festival
Until 1888, Songkran was the official New Year of Thailand. Today, it is celebrated in other countries like China, Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar. It is commonly associated with the element of water, which signifies fertility, love, thankfulness, and compassion. The first official day of festivities on 13th April is called Maha Songkran. It's a day dedicated to the appreciation of seniors in the country. Families pay tribute to their elderly relatives and shower them with gifts and sweets. They make traditional foods such as black herb jelly, a condensed tea called Chao kuai, and deep-fried pork called khaep mu.
The second day of Songkran, called Wan Nao, is signified by the sun traveling between Pisces and Aries. On this day, there are lots of formal rituals performed in temples. A common tradition is the collection of sand (meant to symbolize dirt collected on their feet in the past year) and taking it to monasteries and temples.
Tips for the Best Songkran Festival Experience
- The streets can get crowded, so expect heavy traffic.
- It is recommended to book hotels in advance, as this is a prime period for tourists.
- The celebrations generally start at 10 AM and go on till 8 PM.
- If you do not like getting soaked, then it is recommended you stay indoors.
- The local monks are not to be drenched as they are highly revered.
- While outdoors, be sure to carry your essentials, such as wallets and mobile phones, in waterproof pouches to avoid any damage.
- It is seen as inappropriate to wear revealing clothes or swimwear during this time. Be sure to get comfortable, but not too comfortable!!
- Always wish anyone you can 'Sawadee Bee Mai'. It means 'Happy New Year' in Thai.