Songkran Festival
When: 13-15 April 2015
Where: Throughout Thailand
Songkran is the traditional Thai New Year celebrated on 13 to 15 of April, 13th being the Thai New Year, 14th being the nation’s Family Day, and 15th being National Elderly Day. This festival is the time for family reunions at which family members get together and make merit at the temple and gently pour water mixed with Thai fragrance, called “Nam Op Thai” over the Buddha images. The Nam Op Thai is also used to pour over the hands of the elders when asking them for their blessing. The Songkran Festival would not be complete without the water throwing sessions. Most of the activities during Songkran Festival involve water, as the underlying significance of this festival is the process of cleansing and purifying one’s self before starting the New Year.