Thailand
Every country in the world has its own rituals to celebrate the New Year. In Thailand, the Buddhist New Year is unlike any other. This religious festival has evolved over time into the world's largest water fight. Traditions and rituals, iconic locations, tips, and recommendations for celebrating without making mistakes… We'll give you all you need to know about Songkran!
A Buddhist ritual turned into the world's largest water battle
Songkran is the Thai Buddhist New Year. The term originates from the Sanskrit word meaning "movement or passage," referring to the movement of the sun in the zodiac. It is the most important festival in the country and is also celebrated (under different names) in Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Sri Lanka, and among the Dai people in Yunnan, China.
Traditionally, Thais visit temples to make offerings to monks and receive their blessings. As the days corresponding to the Songkran festival are holidays, most Thais gather with their families for the occasion. It is believed that washing the hands of the elders and sprinkling perfumed water on Buddha statues purifies the body and soul and wards off evil spirits.
While the rituals are still closely followed by the locals, the Songkran festival has evolved into the world's largest water fight. Thus, for three days or more, the entire population splashes water in the streets in a joyful atmosphere!
Celebrating Songkran during a trip to Thailand
A festive, family-oriented, and religious event, Songkran is a must-attend during a trip to Thailand! In addition to participating in a giant water battle with the locals, you can also enjoy observing their solemn rituals. For example, in temples, you can see tiny sand pagodas and chedis made according to tradition for the event. You can also observe the faithful offering their gifts to Buddha, as well as sand seals. Street parades also take place where Buddha statues are paraded to be sprinkled with water and where some monks come to bless the population (note: it is forbidden to splash water on monks!).
From the must-visit Bangkok and Chiang Mai to the authentic towns of Samut Prakan, Lampang, and Loei, not forgetting the more festive and touristy sites like Phuket, Pattaya, and the Southern Islands in general… All of Thailand celebrates Songkran, and the atmosphere can vary from one region to another. It's up to you to decide which atmosphere suits you best to participate in this extraordinary celebration!
What you need to know, do, and avoid:
First and foremost, know that it is impossible to leave your accommodation without getting splashed during Songkran. As the festival has evolved, simple bowls of water have been replaced by buckets, hoses, and water guns. So be prepared to get soaked from head to toe as soon as you step out! Don't be surprised if some people throw ice-cold water at you (some cunning individuals enjoy adding ice cubes to the water buckets!). Similarly, it is not uncommon to have your face covered with talcum powder or colored powder before getting splashed (these are signs of protection in traditions).
Last things to remember: Keeping a smile on your face is the best advice we can give you! Feel free to wish the locals a happy New Year in Thai ("Sawadee Pee Mai"); they will be happy to share this moment with you! Finally, avoid driving during this period, as you won't escape the splashes, even on a scooter! Many accidents occur each year on the roads during Songkran, so be careful.
Next date: April 13th to 15th, 2020. However, remember to check online for the dates corresponding to the region you will be in, as some cities celebrate Songkran a few days later than the official date!
