In Sanskrit, the word Songkran means ‘to pass’ or ‘move into’ and indicates the passing of the sun, moon and other planets into a new zodiac orbit.
Songkran is celebrated on April 13th every year. If you are in Thailand, you would find yourself swept up in festivities for three, five or even 10 days, depending on your specific location in the country.
The original purpose of Songkran festival is to bless others through water. Water symbolizes the cleansing of bad luck and misfortune among the Thais and getting splashed signifies a brand new beginning.
What to do during Songkran Festival besides throwing water
On the first day of Songkran (13th April), which is a day to honour the elderly, an old custom called Rod Nam Dum Hua takes place. This ritual involves young people pouring scented water onto the palms of elders to show respect and to ask for their blessings.
The second day of Songkran (14th April) is dedicated to families and officially known as National Family Day . Families get together and spend quality time. A lot of people will travel back to their hometown to visit parents and relative.
To the largely Buddhist population of Thailand, Songkran is also a time for temple visits and religious rituals. Bathing the Buddha สรงน้ำพระ (sŏng náam prá) is an essential ceremony where devout Buddhists wash statues of the Buddha (พระพุทธรูป), at home or at the temple, with fragrant water. Songkran is also seen as a day for spring cleaning and many Thais take the opportunity to get their houses spic and span for the New Year.
Tip: To purify or bath the Buddha, water should not be poured directly onto the head of the relic, rather on other parts of the statue’s torso.
In many parts of Thailand, Songkran is celebrated with grand procession, beauty contests (Miss Songkran contest เทพีสงกรานต์), food fairs, boat races, cultural games and firework displays.