What is Songkran festival in Thailand?
Songkran Festival is the three days long Thai traditional New Year celebration. It is rooted in the Buddhist calendar and follows many Buddhist traditions. The festival is also known as the “ultimate water fight” because the highlight of the three-day celebration is water fights throughout the streets of the major cities.
What is Songkran and why is it important?
But the traditions and family values attached to this famous festival will shine through the gentle mist of water and drops of Songkran water. The word Songkran is derived from ancient Sanskrit, a language dating back thousands of years, and means to ‘step into’, ‘enter’ or ‘pass into’.
Is Songkran a European New Year?
But it’s not just true in Europe. Songkran – or the “water splashing festival” – is Thailand’s New Year. Thais used to set their New Year by the lunar calendar as in many other Asian cultures, including Chinese. But today it has a fixed date – from April 13 to 15.
What is Songkran (water splashing)?
Songkran – or the “water splashing festival” – is Thailand’s New Year. Thais used to set their New Year by the lunar calendar as in many other Asian cultures, including Chinese.
Why Is Songkran Water Festival Important to Thailand?
- Songkran is a significant festival in Thailand. It is a celebration held at the end of the rainy season, where people give each other gifts and enjoy food and water. The festival starts in April and lasts until the 13th day of the full moon. Thai people believe that the 13th day of the full moon is a good time for people to bathe, clean their homes...
History of The Songkran Water Festival
- The Khmers originally celebrated the Songkran festival. The name “Songkran” emerged from the Sanskrit word for “washing” or “cleaning.” The Khmers believed that bathing would purify the soul and allow them to return to their homeland, Cambodia. Today, the Songkran water festival is a national holiday in Thailand. Thousands of people gather at temple parks and riverbanks to cele…
Songkran – The New Year
- During the Songkran water festival, Thai people celebrate the new year. They consider that this is the best time to begin a new year. Therefore, many people give each other presents and participate in water fights. Thai people also visit temples and pray to bring good luck and a prosperous year. Thai people will visit temples to make merit, donate and leave an offering of fo…
Songkran – The Biggest Water Fights
- Water fights are a vital part of the Songkran festival. Thai people go to rivers, lakes, canals, and pools to splash and play in the water during the festival. Many will dip in the river or lake, and others will throw water at each other. It is also traditional to throw water on the Buddha images or statues in Buddhist temples. In addition, Thais go to the beach, parks, and even sidewalks to hav…
A New Tradition
- The Songkran water festival is a new tradition in Thailand. It is not as widely celebrated as the New Year, held on the first day of the Thai lunar calendar. In the past, Thai people did not observe the new year. Instead, it was celebrated only by the Buddhist monks. Now, they celebrate the new year similarly to the Songkran festival. Songkran, which means “to wash,” also symbolizes Thaila…
How Can Foreigners Enjoy Songkran?
- The festival is an opportunity to build relationships, so don’t be afraid to interact with your hosts. However, don’t expect to see them throwing water at you. Instead, try to be the one to throw water on them. You can even bring some water for them and share some of your cultures. If you are a guest in Thailand, you can also participate in the water festival. Just make sure that you know th…
How Can Foreigners Learn More About Songkran Tradition?
- It’s always fun to visit a country, but it can be more enjoyable when you experience its culture. Thailand is a unique country, so you need to understand its culture, language, and traditions if you plan to visit it. The most critical aspect of the celebration is to be able to communicate with your hosts. Foreigners may not realize that they need to learn some words and phrases in Thai to par…
Conclusion
- Songkran is a Thai celebration that marks the beginning of the new year. During this time, people go on a water-throwing spree, and they give each other gifts of food and money. In addition, Thai people will throw water at Buddha images, statues, and other objects. They usually do this by dousing them with buckets of water, although some people also use plastic bottles and cans. Th…