Songkran
Festival in Thailand
A
glance at the annual calendar as it soon reaches the month of April marks the
beginning of the most exciting events of all time in the kingdom of Thailand.
As the month of April is known as Thailand's hottest month of the year, it is a
suitable month and the best time of the year to witness the abundance of tropical
fruits, delicious desserts, breathtaking sceneries in different parts of
Thailand, and the exclusive local cooling activities to wash away the scorching
heat.
Also
known as the 'Splashing Water Festival', the Songkran holiday is perhaps one of
the most important national holidays the Thais hold as their official new year
festive. The official Songkran festival in Thailand starts on the 13th of April
every year, but the holidays usually extend from the 13th to the 15th
(excluding substitution days that may vary each year). Apart from the local
Thais who celebrate the Songkran festival, tourists from various parts of the
world come to Thailand every year to celebrate and witness the extraordinary
Splashing Water festival with their own eyes.
The
History of Songkran Festival
For
the local Thais, Songkran Festival is counted as Thailand's official new year
and is considered a special time of the year for new year rituals and most
importantly, an event to pay respect for the water and its abundance that has
kept Thailand's prosperity high among other nearby countries. As water is
considered as the beginning of simply everything, it is the major element that
gives life to all matters. The word 'Songkran' refers to the "movement of
the sun's position from Aries to Taurus" which falls in between the 10th
of April to around the 17th or 18th. However, as the official holiday starts at
13th to the 15th, most tourists visit Thailand at this time of the year with a
wish to see how the Splashing Water festival is celebrated. When Songkran
approaches, it is known to the Thais that it has come to the end of the year,
referred to as 'Troot', and the beginning of a new year known as 'Songkran'.
Buddhism
plays an important role in the Songkran festival as the local Thais would pay
respect to the elders, especially their parents, guardians, and teachers. Apart
from the energetic urge to splash water around town, the local Thais have an
orderly list of what is to be done during the Songkran holidays. Most local
Thais will first visit the temple of their choice to pray and make merits in
the early dawn or even in the afternoon with their family. Making merits is
common for the local Thais with a belief to grow, prosper, and be happy
alongside their loved ones. Therefore, most local Thais will be spotted at
various temples and monasteries making merits like offering goods to the monks,
lining up to pray, and so on. As tourists, taking this opportunity to make
merits might be spiritually beneficial and is as well a new experience if
interested. After making merits and visiting the temple, which is considered an
activity that ranks highest in its significance and importance, the local Thais
would go back to their hometowns and visit their parents in case they don't
live together. The majority of Thais live in Bangkok to work; therefore, during
the Songkran holidays, tourists can expect seeing local Thais and their
families heading back home. Visiting families, friends, and beloved ones is
highly crucial for the Thais as the Songkran holidays is the only time of the
year to officially visit and pay respect to those who are missed throughout the
year. Once the Thais have reached their hometowns and destinations wherever it
is, the next important event would be the water splashing and the water battles
everyone is waiting for! As the Songkran
holidays is to be celebrated everywhere in Thailand, Bangkok, Chiangmai, and
Pattaya are the famous provinces tourists often visit.
In
Bangkok, 'Khaosan road' is one of the top attractions
tourists will have to visit during the Songkran festival. On the 13th of April,
Khaosan road will be closed to prevent cars from passing. Here, tourists and
local Thais will be seen splashing water to each other, joining the real water
battle of fun and excitement. Although it is fun and entertaining in summer to
splash water, it is highly important to remember that safe water guns are to be
used and not the high pressured ones as they can hurt others physically. As the
Khaosan road is closed on the Songkran holidays, the streets will be filled
with packs of people. It is recommended to keep smart devices in clear
water-resistant bags to keep them dry and safe from water. Khaosan road is also
known as one of the best places to shop. After the 13th of April, the splashing
of water is expected to end; tourists can explore more of Khaosan road in the
evenings to shop for Thai goods and souvenirs. Another place to enjoy the
Songkran holidays in a trendier way with a group of friends would be the Silom
road. Only a day for splashing water, Silom road is also famous for its night
lights and special events like bubble parties, pool parties, and water battles.
In
Chiangmai, the Songkran festival is the most prominent
celebration. Chiangmai, also known as the blooming rose of the Northern part of
Thailand, has one of the biggest Songkran festivals in Thailand. Songkran here
in Chiangmai enables tourists from different parts of the globe to witness and
take part in the largest Songkran festival opening ceremony among the midst of
beautiful scenery in the North. Known for its awe-inspiring and ambitious
Songkran parade around Chiangmai city, photographers would find this
opportunity rare. As Buddhism also plays a major role here in Chiangmai and
almost every ritual, local Thais would pour jasmine flower-scented water onto
Buddha figures and pray for prosperity as well as success. Famous for its Lanna
traditions, tourists visiting Chiangmai will enjoy a variety of Lanna
performances, authentic Lanna food, and witness the newborn experience of going
through unique street artistry.
Pattaya,
geographically situated in a rather hot and dry place, takes Songkran as one of
their long-awaited celebration more than just a typical new year.
Traditionally, local Thais living in Pattaya would pray for rain to prosper
their crops when the planting season approaches. At this time of the year in
Pattaya, a parade going throughout the city marks the symbol of Pattaya in its
Songkran festival light. The parade starts midday and ends by evening, where it
ends at the beach road with cultural shows, performances, and events to attract
tourists. The finale of the celebration is to be marked with a grand water
fight involving random local Thais and international tourists.
What
to Bring During Songkran Holidays?
Although
the human body has 72% of water, electronic devices and your private belongings
don't enjoy being wetted. It is recommended for tourists and even local Thais
to bring along or buy clear water-resistant bags to keep smart devices like
phones, cameras, and tablets safe. If you need to bring your personal
belongings like passport, cash, and other documents, be sure to keep them safe
in a water-resistant backpack or a front carrier. Particularly, there are no
do's and don'ts tourists need to be too alarmed of; however, it is important to
pay respect to the local traditions, rituals, and ceremonies deemed spiritual.
It is also a reminder to tourists to always use safe water cannons and not the
ones that are highly pressured as they are harmful to other players physically.
Finding a cab or hopping onto one can be a little uneasy with all the wetness,
but friendly taxis and cabs are everywhere to ease tourists with their travel. Be
sure to have fun, enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime experience here in Thailand with
your family and friends! Happy Songkran!
