Songkran is the most celebrated festival in Thailand. It marks the beginning of the Thai New Year, which falls on April 13th every year. The word Songkran comes from the Sanskrit word saṅkrānti, which means “astrological passage” or “transition”. It refers to the movement of the sun from one zodiac sign to another, in this case, from Pisces to Aries.
Songkran is a time of joy, happiness, and renewal. It is a time to pay respect to the Buddha, to the elders, and the family. It is also a time to have fun, to splash water, and to enjoy the festivities. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Songkran, the Thai New Year festival.
What is the Songkran Festival?
Songkran Festival is the most celebrated festival in Thailand, which marks the beginning of the Thai New Year. It is a three-day festival that involves various customs and activities, such as water splashing, Buddha bathing, merit-making, respect-paying, and family reunions. It is a festival that expresses joy, happiness, and renewal.
Songkran has a long and rich history that dates back to ancient times. It is believed that Songkran originated from the Brahmin tradition of sprinkling water on the statues of gods and goddesses to welcome the new year. The water was considered sacred and auspicious, as it symbolized cleansing, purification, and blessing.
Later, Songkran became influenced by Buddhism, as Thailand adopted the religion around the 13th century. The water splashing ritual was extended to the Buddha images, as well as to the monks and the elders. The water was meant to wash away the bad luck, the sins, and the misfortunes of the past year, and to bring good luck, merit, and prosperity for the new year.
Songkran is also a time to celebrate the culture and traditions of Thailand. It showcases the values of respect, gratitude, and harmony that are embedded in Thai society. Songkran is a time to honour the ancestors, reconnect with the family, and share the joy with the friends and the community.
When is the Songkran Festival 2024?
Songkran Festival 2024 will take place from April 13th to April 15th, which are the official public holidays in Thailand. However, some regions or provinces may extend the celebration for a few more days, depending on their local traditions and customs. For example, in Chiang Mai, the northern city of Thailand, Songkran lasts for six days, from April 12th to April 17th.
The dates of Songkran are fixed according to the solar calendar, unlike some other Asian New Year festivals, such as the Chinese New Year or the Vietnamese New Year, which are based on the lunar calendar. Therefore, Songkran always falls in the middle of April, which is also the hottest month of the year in Thailand.
What are the three days of Songkran?
Songkran is a three-day festival that has different names and meanings for each day. Here are the names and descriptions of the three days of Songkran:
- Maha Songkran (April 13th): This is the first day of Songkran, which is also the last day of the old year. Maha Songkran means “the great Songkran” or “the grand transition”. On this day, people would clean their houses, prepare food and offerings, and dress up in colourful clothes. They would also visit the temples, make merit, and listen to the monks’ sermons. They would also pay respect to their ancestors and elders, and ask for forgiveness and blessings.
- Wan Nao (April 14th): This is the second day of Songkran, which is also the day between the old and the new year. Wan Nao means “the day of preparation” or “the day of no astrological influence”. On this day, people would continue to make merit, donate to the temples, and release animals. They would also collect sand and bring it to the temples, where they would build sand pagodas and decorate them with flags and flowers. This is a way to compensate for the sand that they have carried away from the temples throughout the year.
- Wan Thaloeng Sok (April 15th): This is the third day of Songkran, which is also the first day of the new year. Wan Thaloeng Sok means “the day of the new era” or “the day of the new beginning”. On this day, people would celebrate the new year with joy and enthusiasm. They would splash water on each other, as a symbol of cleansing, purification, and blessing. They would also join the parades, the concerts, the beauty contests, and the cultural shows that are held across the country.
How to Celebrate Songkran Festival
Songkran is a festival that is full of customs and activities that reflect the spirit of the Thai New Year. Here are some of the most common and popular ones:
- Water splashing: This is the most iconic and fun part of Songkran. Songkran is famously known as the Water Festival. People of all ages and backgrounds take part in this activity, which involves splashing water on each other using buckets, hoses, water guns, or any other means. The water splashing is not only a way to cool off from the heat, but also a way to express goodwill, friendship, and playfulness. The water splashing usually takes place on the streets, where people gather in large crowds and have a water fight. However, some places, such as temples, schools, or offices, may have a more gentle and respectful way of splashing water, such as pouring a small amount of water on the hands or the shoulders of the elders or superiors.
- Buddha bathing: This is a religious and spiritual part of Songkran. It involves pouring scented water on the Buddha statues, either at home or at the temples. The Buddha bathing is a way to pay homage to the Buddha, to show reverence and gratitude, and to seek his blessings. The scented water is usually mixed with fragrant flowers, such as jasmine, orchids, or marigolds. The water that drips from the Buddha statues is also considered holy and beneficial, as it can bring luck, health, and happiness to those who touch it.
- Merit-making: It involves performing good deeds and acts of generosity, such as giving alms to the monks, donating to the temples, releasing animals, or helping the needy. The merit-making is a way to accumulate good karma, cleanse the mind, and prepare for the new year. The merit-making usually takes place in the morning, before the water splashing begins. Some of the common items that are offered to the monks are food, drinks, flowers, candles, incense, or robes.
- Respect paying: This is a cultural and social part of Songkran. It involves showing respect and appreciation to the elders, such as parents, grandparents, teachers, or mentors. The respect paying usually involves a ceremony called rod nam dam hua, which means “pouring water on the hands”. The younger generation would kneel and pour water on the hands of the elders while asking for forgiveness and wishing them good health and longevity. The elders would then return the gesture by giving them advice, encouragement, and blessings.
- Family reunion: This is a personal and emotional part of Songkran. It involves spending time with the family, especially those who live far away or work in different cities. The family reunion is a way to strengthen the bonds, to share the love, and to celebrate the new year together. The family reunion usually involves a feast, where the family members cook and eat traditional Thai dishes, such as khao chae (rice soaked in jasmine-scented water), som tam (spicy papaya salad), or tom yum (hot and sour soup).
- Celebrate with elephants: This is a unique and memorable part of Songkran, especially for animal lovers. You can visit an elephant sanctuary or camp, where you can interact with these gentle giants, feed them, bathe them, and splash water on them. You can also learn more about their history, behaviour, and conservation. Celebrating with elephants is a way to appreciate the natural beauty and diversity of Thailand, and to support the welfare and protection of these endangered animals.
- Songkran music festivals: This is a modern and trendy part of Songkran, especially for music lovers. You can attend one of the many music festivals that are held during Songkran, featuring local and international artists, DJs, and bands. You can enjoy various genres of music, such as pop, rock, hip-hop, EDM, or indie, join the crowd in dancing, singing, and splashing water. Some of the most popular Songkran music festivals are S2O, Siam Songkran, and Waterzonic.
Tips and Advice for Songkran (Thai New Year)
Songkran is a festival that is enjoyable and memorable for everyone. However, there are some tips and advice that you should follow to make the most of it and to avoid any problems or accidents. Here are some of them:
- Dress appropriately: Wear clothes that are light, comfortable, and dry quickly, as you will get wet during the water splashing. You should also avoid wearing white or transparent clothes, as they may become see-through when wet. Also, wear shoes that are sturdy and waterproof, as the streets may be slippery and dirty. You should also protect your eyes and skin from the sun, by wearing sunglasses, hats, or sunscreen.
- Protect your valuables: Ensure you keep your valuables, such as phones, cameras, wallets, or passports, in a waterproof bag or pouch, as they may get damaged by the water or stolen by thieves. You should also avoid carrying too much cash or jewellery, as they may attract unwanted attention or get lost. Be careful of your surroundings, and avoid walking alone or in dark or isolated areas.
- Respect the rules and the culture: Follow the rules and the culture of Songkran, and do not offend or disrespect anyone or anything. You should not splash water on the monks, the elders, the children, the animals, or the drivers, as they may get annoyed or hurt. Also, do not splash water on the Buddha statues, the temples, or the national flag, as they are considered sacred and respectful. You should also not use dirty or ice-cold water, or add any chemicals or substances to the water, as they may cause harm or irritation.
- Have fun and be safe: You should have fun and be safe during Songkran, and enjoy the festival with a positive and friendly attitude. You should smile, laugh, and have a good time with the people you meet, and share the joy and the happiness of the new year.
Conclusion
Songkran is a wonderful and unique festival that celebrates the Thai New Year. It is a festival that combines the religious, the cultural, and the fun aspects of Thailand. It is a festival that showcases the beauty, the diversity, and the harmony of the Thai people. It is a festival that you should not miss if you have the chance to visit Thailand during April. Songkran is a festival that will leave you with unforgettable memories and experiences. Happy Songkran!
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