SONGKRAN (สงกรานต์)
The Thai New Year which is also known as Songkran (from a Sanskrit word meaning ‘passing’ or ‘approaching’) is celebrated throughout Thailand between the 13th and 15th of April, but in Pattaya celebrations continue for even more days! The celebrations are extended until the 19th of April and this extension is traditionally called “Wan Lai” festival which literally means “the day that flows”.
Songkran is the occasion for family re-unions, temple visits and annual house cleaning. Many Thais observe the holidays by spending time with families and friends. Traditionally, Thais perform the Rod Nam Dum Hua ritual on the first day of Songkran, which is officially the National Elderly Day. During the ritual, young people would pour fragrant water into the elders’ palms as a gesture of humility and to ask for their blessings.
The second day of Songkran is officially the National Family Day. Families would wake up early and give alms to the monks, then ideally the rest of the day would be spent sharing quality family time together. An important religious ritual on Songkran is ‘Bathing the Buddha image’, in which devout Buddhists pour fragrant water over Buddha statues both at the temple and at home. More religious Thais would engage themselves in Buddhist ceremonies and merit-making activities throughout the holidays.
New Year Tradition
The traditional water pouring is meant as a symbol of washing away all of their sins and the bad and is sometimes filled with fragrant herbs when celebrated in the traditional manner
Essentials for Songkran :
- Water Gun
- Waterproof mobile cover
- Non valuable clothes
- Positive & Fun attitude
- Smile
- Official Songkran shirt
- Good luck face powder
Do’s
- Do give alms and make merit (or just witness the rituals if you are not a Buddhist)
- Do use waterproof bags to protect your valuables
- Do watch your belongings
- Do use public transportation if you are heading to one of Songkran ‘hotspots’, as traffic will be paralysed
- Do try wishing the locals a happy new year in Thai – “Sawasdee Pee Mai!”
- Do smile and have fun
Don’ts
- Do not douse monks, babies or the elderly
- Do not drive when you have been drinking
- Do not throw water with ice or dirty water
- Do not throw water at motorcyclists, to prevent road accidents
Songkran in Bangkok :
There are a few popular spots to celebrate Songkran in Bangkok:
- Khao San Road
- Silom Road
- Phra Pradaeng
- Sanam Luang
- Banglamphu
- Lan Khon Mueang
- Wisutkasat
Songkran in Pattaya
Songkran usually starts as early as the 11th of April and peaks on the 19th of April with many people booking their holidays exactly for the purpose of joining the water combat zone and having an experience of a lifetime.
This Joyous Songkran Celebration in 2015, specially organised by the TAT (Tourism Authority of Thailand) and local organisations from the public and private sector, will take place in the following locations:
- Khao San Road, Bangkok, 13-15 April 2015, 10.00-23.00 hrs.
- Silom Road, Bangkok, 13-15 April 2015, 10.00-00.00 hrs.
- Around the City Moat, Chiang Mai, 11-16 April 2015, 09.00-22.00 hrs.
- Pattaya (North, Central and South Beach), Lan Bodhi Park Na Kluea and Chon Buri, 11-20 April 2015, 09.00-00.00 hrs.
- Khao Nieo Road, Khon Kaen, 13-15 April 2015, 10.00-20.30 hrs.
- Patong Beach, Phuket, 12-13 April 2015, 10.00-22.00 hrs.
- Hat Yai Midnight Songkran at Nipat Uthit 3 Road, Sanehanusorn Road and Wat Mahatta, 11-15 April 2015, 10.00-23.00 hrs.
- Songkran Ko Samui (Chaweng Beach), 13 April 2015, 08.00 – 20.00 hrs.
Songkran is also celebrated as Sangken in northeastern areas of India, as the traditional New Year’s Day by the Buddhist Community. The Sangken festival is celebrated by the people of the Khampti tribe. The festival is also celebrated by Singpho, Khamyang, Tikhaks (Tangsa) and Phakyal community of Arunachal Pradesh, and Tai Phake community of Assam.
Enjoy the fun of getting WET and Happy Songkran
Featured image sponsored by Fam Sok May