The annual Songkran Festival marks the Thai New year which is the most crazy national celebrating holiday. Thais will spend these days with family, going to temples, parties and water fights. This is a common sight in Thailand. The annual Songkran celebration, known as the ultimate water war, will be held from April 12 to 16 this year. As one of Thailand's biggest celebrations, the public holiday has become Thailand's busiest holiday, attracting thousands of travelers.
What is Songkran?
The Songkran Festival is the most famous festival in Thailand. As a significant event in the Buddhist calendar, it marks the beginning of the traditional Thai New year. The name Songkran comes from Sanskrit and means "through" or "close."When Is Songkran?
The date of Songkran Festival used to be decided based on the lunar calendar, but now the date is fixed. The Thai Water Festival begins on April 13 and ends on April 15, lasting for three days. The opening ceremony began on the morning of April 13th. Although the festival officially lasts only three days, many people extend the holiday to one week especially in Pattaya.New year traditions
Songkran's celebration has a rich traditional activities. The first morning begins with a merit-making. After that, it is common practice to visit local temples and provide food to Buddhist monks. On this particular occasion, watering the bodies of young people and old people is the traditional ritual of the festival. It symbolizes the purification and cleansing of one's iniquity and doom. As a day of family reunion, people who move away usually return to the homes of their loved ones and elders. Reverence for ancestors is an important part of Songkran tradition.
The festival is famous for its water carnival. The main streets are blocked and used as places for water fights. On this celebrant, not matter young or old, you can throw water on each other to participate in this traditional activity. In some places, there will be tradional parade and Miss Songkran pageant. All contestants will be in traditional Thai costumes.
How thai people celebrate it
As Songkran approached, people in the central region cleaned their houses. All people wear colorful clothes or traditional Thai costume. After giving alm the monks, people devoutly offered sacrifices to ancestors. People offer sacrifices, such as giving sand to temples for construction or repair.
Other forms of merit include the releasing birds and fish. Now, people also release other kinds of animals, such as buffalo and cows. There are other forms of sacrifice, including releasing of birds and/or fish. Now people start releasing more animals, such as buffalo and cows.
Thais in southern area. Such as Phuket and Krabi have three rules: little works and spending less money. Do not hurt animals and be honest to others.
In northern Thailand, such as Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. Firecrackers were used to repel bad luck of the passing year. The next day, people prepared food and something useful for the monks at the temple. People go to the temple, bathe the Buddha and pour water on the hands of elders to pray for their blessings.
The east areas, such as Pattaya, have activities similar to those in other parts of Thailand, but throughout the day of Songkran, people in the east built a sand tower in the temple. Some people prepare food for the elderly after their success in the temple. The duration of Songkran Festival in Pattaya is the longest in Thailand, which would last for one week.
Tips for Enjoying the Thailand Water Festival
Nobody will escape to be wet in Songkran Festival. In fact, don't plan to dry during the day unless you keep yourself locked in the hotel room for three days. Once you step out of your room, the hotel staff will greet you with water. Only few people, such as monks, old people, infants and pregnant women will be protected from being splashed.As mentioned above, everything that leaves outside unprotected will definitely be soaked. So either make everything waterproof or leave all your valuables at your hotel.
Most tourist city, such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket will rise to the peak during these days. You must reserve online or arrive early so that you can hope to find a place close to action. Besides, booking early will have a better price. Advise to book 4-5 month in advance.
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