If you're thinking about visiting Thailand for the Buddhist New Year celebrations of Songkran, it's important to understand the cultural significance of this festival, the do's and don'ts, and how you can join in the celebrations! We've outlined all the basics for you in this guide to Songkran - The Water Festival. <br> <br> Thai Songkran Festival is determined according to the movement of the sun from one zodiac to another (Pisces to Aries) and marks the end of the dry season. Previously it was celebrated on the first day of the first month in the lunar calendar, however, around 200BC the Thai people migrated from China to Thailand and had to adapt to a different climate so changed their celebrations to be at the end of the dry season. <br> <br>
Songkran is said to have originated from ancient India, but nobody knows for certain the exact way the festival began or when it began. Thai people have taken it as the change of the old year into a new one. For Buddhists, this auspicious movement of the heavenly bodies marks an important day. Water is splashed on statues of Buddha for good luck, and younger generations bathe the hand of the elderly to receive their blessing in return. <br> <br> It is celebrated from the 13th of April to the 15th of April every year, but the celebrations can last up to 10 days in some places. Big cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai hold much larger celebrations than smaller villages and towns, and the north of Thailand tends to celebrate for longer than the south. <br> <br>
A rundown of the days:
April 13th
The first day of the new year is known as Song Nam Phra ('Pouring Water on Monks') Day. The ceremony involves water being poured over the hands and feet of monks in the temples, and where there are no monks present, pouring water over a Buddha statue gains the same merit. A lot of cleaning happens on this day too to rid their homes of the previous years bad luck. <br> <br>
April 14th
This day is also known as Wan Nao and it celebrates the old Thai New Year's Eve taking place on the day the sun transitions from Pisces to Aries. People also like to create good merit by releasing birds and fish back into the skies and waterways on this day. Also, the 14th April is National Family Day in Thailand, where everyone is encouraged to spend quality time with their families. <br> <br>
April 15th
On this day, the New Year begins. This day is also known as Wan Payawan ('Bathing Buddha') Day. People typically start the day by visiting their local temple to present food and clothing to the monks, who then pray for them. They also partake in other rituals believed to bring good luck for the new year. There are parties and celebrations everywhere, with ongoing water fights, concerts, street food, and much more! <br> <br>
How to celebrate:
Water fights
Streets are closed to traffic and used as arenas for water fights. It’s an activity that younger generations love and tourists are more than welcome to join in with. <br> <br>
Cleaning
Similar to Chinese New Year, Thai people clean their houses, schools, offices, temples, and other public places. <br> <br>
Merit Making
Thai people offer food and clothing to the monks in temples and listen to their Buddhist preaching. <br> <br>
Releasing Birds & Fish
Thai people see this as giving freedom back to creatures as part of their belief that releasing animals back to freedom returns back good fortune. <br> <br>
Performances & Games
There are competitions displaying traditional Thai dresses, street parades, street food vendors, boat races, Thai dances, and flag ceremonies. <br> <br>
Sand Pagodas
Helping with temple maintenance and helping monks, in general, is regarded as good practice during Songkran Festival. Thai people will bring sand to temples during the festival either to build sand pagodas or help with the maintenance. <br> <br>
Our top tips:
- Be respectful of those who do not wish to participate in the water splashing festivities. Don’t splash water on monks, babies, the elderly, or pregnant women. <br>
- When participating in the water fight, use fresh, clean water and don’t aim for the eyes. You can use a low-pressure water gun too! <br>
- April is the hottest month in Thailand with temperatures reaching 40 degrees Celsius, so take a good waterproof sunblock and reapply regularly. <br>
- It’s recommended to wear goggles and swimwear if you plan on being in the heart of the water activities. If you are just wearing swim shorts you have to wear a t-shirt as it is illegal to be topless. <br>
- Do not take off your top/dress even if you are drenched, you could get arrested as it violates the values and cultures of Thailand. <br>
- Before venturing to celebrate, take the time to educate yourself on the cultural meaning of the festival, and some Thai phrases to wish people a Happy Songkran! <br> <br>
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