Thailand’s Songkran Water Festival
What is Songkran?
Songkran is the traditional Thai New Year’s national holiday and the most famous festival in Thailand!
‘Songkran’ itself, means ‘passing’ or ‘approaching’. It’s at this time when many Thai people travel back to their hometowns to spend time with their families, especially their older relatives and express gratitude.
Buddhists often visit many temples at this time to douse water over images of Buddha and over Buddhist Monks’ hands as a sign of respect. Offerings are also left at the temples to ring in the New Year with various events also taking place.
When Is It Held?
Songkran is an annual event officially held from the 13th-15th every April.
If you’ve booked to visit Thailand during this period then I’ve got to warn you - prepared to get soaked!
Songkran is primarily celebrated with lots and lots of water!
The water is used to cleanse for the New Year ahead with many Thai families cleaning their homes to ward off bad luck. In the streets, hoards of both children and adults alike gather together to dance and have fun whilst being equipped with ice buckets, water pistols and foam to take part in the ensuing water fights!
Can I Get Involved?
Of course! Songkran is not only celebrated by Thai people but is a very popular celebration with many tourists and ex-pats too. It’s a chance to be with others, enjoy the lively atmosphere and most importantly, to have fun!
Songkran is celebrated all over Thailand, from the top of the country to the very bottom and even over to the surrounding islands.
What Should I Wear?
Anything you’re prepared to get wet! I’d probably suggest old clothes and perhaps some form of swimwear that’s comfortable to wear all day/night. I’d also recommended some covered shoes that you don’t mind getting soaked as there are usually a lot of crowds.
Trust me, you don’t want people standing all over your unprotected flip-flop feet!
Will you be attending The Songkran Water Festival? Hopefully, this gives you a little insight into what to expect!
