Songkran’s celebration in Thailand is world’s biggest water festival where whole country emerges itself in the celebration for almost a week. It is the most famous festival in Thailand and is a major tourist attraction for the nation. Recently it has also been awarded the prestigious status of “Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity” by UNESCO.
What is Songkran?
The word Songkran comes from a Sanskrit word which means ‘move to’ or ‘passing of’. Songkran festival is the mark of Thai New Year also known as Songkran Splendours.
This New Year is celebrated as per Buddhist Calendar. It is also celebrated in other South Asian and Southeast Asian countries including Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, parts of India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, parts of Vietnam and some regions of China.
The celebration marks as a symbol of cleansing and purification – washing away of one’s sins and bad luck and welcoming New Year.
How Songkran is Celebrated?
Traditionally it is three days New Year festival as per Buddhist calendar.
On 1st Day of festival people pour water on Buddha Statue, on monk’s hands and feet.
Outside temples these celebration turns into big water fights and parties.
Water is also poured on elders feet and hand to take their blessings.
Celebration in Thailand
Songkran is the most important festival in Thailand and has attracted a lot of tourists for the unique celebration of Songkran.
In Thailand the 3 days New Year festival is turned into 7 days celebration and holiday. So that people from different places could reach their homes and welcome New Year with their families.
Big Water fights, Song, Dance, street parties are common during this celebration. One can see people using water guns, throwing buckets of water, ice, cold water at each other and on random people. Whole country is emerged into this large celebration.
How you should celebrate Songkran in Thailand?
If you are in Thailand during Songkran festival or planning to join next Songkran celebration in Thailand. Then you must experience it to full by experiencing its traditional prayers in temples, traditional dance, street parties, water fights (Well you cannot escape this one if you come out).
Enjoy the celebration, join the water fights but be mindful do water fights only to designated areas.
Don’t splash water on monks, elderly people and babies.
Everyone should experience this festival in Thailand at least once.
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