Songkran, one of the most striking festivals in Thailand is celebrated as New Year's Day marking the entry of the sun into Aries. Most countries in South and Southeast Asia celebrate Songkran with celebrations stretching for well over a week for it is a very important event in the Buddhist calendar. Celebrated in Laos,
Cambodia and Myanmar, Thailand is probably the destination you need to be to experience the best of what Songkran has to offer. In earlier times, the days of the festival were determined using the astrological calendar, however, the dates for Songkran is now fixed from April 13 to April 15. This exuberant festival is also well known as €Maha Songkran€ or €Major Songkran€. Simply put, Songkran derived from the Sanskrit word, €Sankranti€, which means €Change€.
Significance
An occasion to celebrate renewal, Songkran is also known as the water festival. It is not uncommon to see the locals out on the streets throwing water at each other and getting drenched. Traffic grinds to a standstill as hordes of Thais as well as adventurous tourists join in to revel with the masses! Parades with exquisitely designed floats are also a common sight to see. Waterfights make Songkran all the more exuberant. On the first day, the ladies visit the monasteries nearby and clean the statues of Buddha. Sand stupas and pagodas are also built. Building these can get quite competitive. After the dwellings are swept and mopped clean, the Thais visit their neighbors, friends and relatives, especially the elders to seek their blessings. The cleaning of the dwellings signifies the cleansing of one's soul and spirit. It is believed that the sins or the evil deeds of the past are washed away when water is poured. Songkran is also frequently compared to the Indian festival of Holi. Simple yet appetizing food is prepared and then distributed among monks to receive their blessings and seek good luck, peace and happiness in the New Year. Another ceremony that is performed is the €Bangasakun€ which is a sacred ritual involving a memorial service in remembrance of the dead.
Handy Tips for Songkran
Tourists considering visiting Thailand during the Songkran week i.e. April 10 onwards can expect jam-packed accommodation when booking. Do remember to dress appropriately as getting drenched during the nationwide water festival is the norm! Carry a bag to hold your gadgets, else it will get soaked! If you intend to soak someone, use water that is clean as this ritual is considered sacred. This is a great time to take a peek in the lives of ordinary Thais. Avoid behavior that might raise eyebrows. A little appreciation of the local customs and acceptance of the culture is sure to go a long way. A typical itinerary for the Songkran week would involve travel to Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Ayutthaya for a glimpse into the fanfare that Songkran brings with it! For the truly adventurous folks out there, consider a trip to Chiang Rai and Sukothai which end up partying all day and all night!
Cambodia and Myanmar, Thailand is probably the destination you need to be to experience the best of what Songkran has to offer. In earlier times, the days of the festival were determined using the astrological calendar, however, the dates for Songkran is now fixed from April 13 to April 15. This exuberant festival is also well known as €Maha Songkran€ or €Major Songkran€. Simply put, Songkran derived from the Sanskrit word, €Sankranti€, which means €Change€.
Significance
An occasion to celebrate renewal, Songkran is also known as the water festival. It is not uncommon to see the locals out on the streets throwing water at each other and getting drenched. Traffic grinds to a standstill as hordes of Thais as well as adventurous tourists join in to revel with the masses! Parades with exquisitely designed floats are also a common sight to see. Waterfights make Songkran all the more exuberant. On the first day, the ladies visit the monasteries nearby and clean the statues of Buddha. Sand stupas and pagodas are also built. Building these can get quite competitive. After the dwellings are swept and mopped clean, the Thais visit their neighbors, friends and relatives, especially the elders to seek their blessings. The cleaning of the dwellings signifies the cleansing of one's soul and spirit. It is believed that the sins or the evil deeds of the past are washed away when water is poured. Songkran is also frequently compared to the Indian festival of Holi. Simple yet appetizing food is prepared and then distributed among monks to receive their blessings and seek good luck, peace and happiness in the New Year. Another ceremony that is performed is the €Bangasakun€ which is a sacred ritual involving a memorial service in remembrance of the dead.
Handy Tips for Songkran
Tourists considering visiting Thailand during the Songkran week i.e. April 10 onwards can expect jam-packed accommodation when booking. Do remember to dress appropriately as getting drenched during the nationwide water festival is the norm! Carry a bag to hold your gadgets, else it will get soaked! If you intend to soak someone, use water that is clean as this ritual is considered sacred. This is a great time to take a peek in the lives of ordinary Thais. Avoid behavior that might raise eyebrows. A little appreciation of the local customs and acceptance of the culture is sure to go a long way. A typical itinerary for the Songkran week would involve travel to Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Ayutthaya for a glimpse into the fanfare that Songkran brings with it! For the truly adventurous folks out there, consider a trip to Chiang Rai and Sukothai which end up partying all day and all night!