Months after the rest of the world has celebrated and moved on from New Year's celebrations, the Thai people commemorate their traditional New Year in the most unique ways.
We are participating in the wettest festival in the world, the Songkran Water Festival, held annually on April 13 and lasting until April 15. This celebration is significant to the people of Thailand and most of Southeast Asia because it marks the beginning of the New Year. This is a three-day celebration that begins with a comprehensive spring cleaning on ‘Maha Songkran’ and culminates on ‘Wan Payawan’, the official New Year’s Day. The New Year celebrations in Thailand are typically marked by merit-making, water battles, and temple visits, although different regions have their own traditions.
Months after the rest of the world has celebrated and moved on from New Year’s celebrations, the Thai people commemorate their traditional New Year in the most unique ways. Songkran is a Thai national holiday that marks and commemorates the beginning of the Buddhist new year. This is also the time when the sun transitions from Pisces to Aries. This day is not only a cultural event for the people, but also a religious and historical celebration that provides an opportunity for a new beginning.
According to Buddhist scripture, everything began with the decapitation of the sage Kapila Brahma, who lost a wager with a minor named Thammabal. Every year thereafter, when the sun entered Aries, one of his offspring and accompanying angels would perform a procession consisting of various postures that are now incorporated into the lunisolar calendar. To differentiate it from other zodiac movements around the sun, this procession was known as Maha Songkran.
The Thai people adopt the literal meaning of Songkran, which means ‘transformation’ or ‘change,’ when celebrating the festival. It signifies a chance for a fresh start and new beginnings, and the three days of observances are designed to reflect this. On the first day, Maha Songkran, residences and public areas are cleaned, scented water is poured over Buddha statues, and water-throwing celebrations commence. This is followed by ‘Wan Nao,’ which is celebrated with merit-making activities such as visiting the elderly and making offerings to priests and temples. The final day of the celebration is New Year’s Day, which is set aside for additional offerings, solemn reflection, and other rituals centred on good fortune.
This day is celebrated throughout Thailand with water battles. Prepare to get wet and attire accordingly if you find yourself in the country during this time. However, if you are not in the area, today is a great day to gather your friends and family for a game of water war. Prepare your armour (water guns, balloons, and containers) and prepare for battle.
Regardless of how enjoyable and thrilling this holiday may appear, for many people it is also deeply spiritual and religious. Visiting temples to offer food and other gifts to clergy, giving alms, and engaging in self-reflection all contribute to the holiday’s primary objective of merit-making. Take some time during these three days to visit the nearest Buddhist temple and reflect on the coming year.
‘Wai’ is a mixture of clay, specifically white talcum powder, and water, and applying it is one of the ways that Songkran is celebrated. During this time, you would see a large number of individuals, particularly children, with clay-covered parts of their bodies on the streets of Thailand. In addition, they make it their mission to include everyone by placing some on you and wishing you a happy new year. Today, you can participate from the convenience of your own home by incorporating skin-friendly clay masks into your beauty regimen.
Songkran also signifies the end of the arid season and the start of the wet season.
The act of tying white threads on one another’s wrists and reciting a prayer is a sign of goodwill.
During Songkran, the sun enters Aries, and the duration of night and day becomes evenly divided, a phenomenon known as the supreme cycle in Thai culture.
The coronation of Mr. and Miss Songkran is an essential component of Songkran festivities.
The Songkran celebration regulations prohibit the use of dirty and icy water.
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | April 13 | Thursday |
| 2024 | April 13 | Saturday |
| 2025 | April 13 | Sunday |
| 2026 | April 13 | Monday |
| 2027 | April 13 | Tuesday |
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