Photo by JJ Harrison (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Songkran Festival
Holiday of Fun water fights
Songkran is an annual fun festival for everyone. Also known as “the water festival”, Songkran is a much anticipated celebration for both children and adults.
Originally a festival to celebrate New Year, in modern times Songkran has evolved into a massive spectacle of fun water fights.
Songkran is celebrated in the whole country, most intensely in places as Bangkok, Pattaya and Chiang Mai. In Bangkok the center of the action is Khao San road and Silom.
Huge water fights
Cities and towns across Thailand turn into the scene of massive water fights.
People drive pick up trucks with huge containers of water through the streets. Armed with water guns and hoses, children and adults line the streets spraying water at everyone who comes in sight. Children smear chalk or clay on each others faces.
Photo by JJ Harrison (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Songkran dates
Traditionally the first day of Songkran was the beginning of a new year. The dates were determined based on the solar calendar and varied per year. Now Thai new year is on January 1st.
Songkran is celebrated from April 13 until April 15 during the hottest time of the year. It is a three day national holiday when many Thais travel back to the countryside to spend the holiday with their family.
Symbolism
The act of throwing water on people symbolizes cleansing and purification. The water washes off all the troubles, bad luck and grievances of the past year. The new year is started with a clean slate.
Buddhists go to the temple to make merit and wish for happiness and good fortune for the coming year.
Photo by Takeaway (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Rod Nam Dum Hua ceremony
On the first day of Songkran Thais perform a ceremony known as “Rod Nam Dum Hua”. They pour water into the hands of a respected elder to ask for forgiveness and blessings.
Buddhist people go to the temple to make merit and pour water over an image of the Buddha.
Miss Songkran contest
Several cities and towns across the country host events such as a Miss Songkran contest.
A few tips
When you go out on Songkran day, you will get soaking wet. If you have things that need to stay dry, keep them in a waterproof bag.
Apply sun block and wear a hat or cap to avoid a bad sun burn.
Traffic will be extremely congested in the Songkran festivities areas. When you are in Bangkok, take the BTS Sky Train or MRT Subway to get around whenever possible.