Songkran Festival @Thailand

Speaking of Songkran or water festival, I’m sure most of you at least heard about it. For people who never hear about it before; Songkran or water festival was a celebration for old Thailand New year which is April of 13th to April 15th but later on Thailand changed their New Year date follow the world standard which is the January 1st. Songkran is a Sanskrit word from meaning of change or transformation. The tradition is celebrated not only in Thailand but the neighbor countries like Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar. Nowadays, Songkran or water festival is so famous other countries starting to have their own festival like Singapore or Taiwan. 

Songkarn festival considers one of the traditional that we pass along from Thai’s ancestors for many years the root is so deep, eventually it become a national culture of Thai people. This beauty conveys the attributes of Thailand is truly progressive, as gratitude the generosity of both the environment and so on.


These are some examples of the original Songkran tradition:
  • Cleaning their own house and public places such as community park or temples
  • Prepare a cloths that they will wear to the temple for merit (just like you guys prepare your best cloths for church on Christmas, oh yeaaa I’m sure you know, what I’m talking about!? ;)
  • Prepare foods and desserts for merit
  • Pouring water to elders or pouring water to elders asking for their blessing. This is the way to shows our respect to adults, not only to our parents but anyone who are older than us and we feel respect toward them. This ceremony, after we pouring water to them, they will give us bless and some commentaries to remind us to become a good person. 
  • After the ceremony we will pouring water to each other for bonding our friendship or other relationship that we may have toward other. Moreover, there will be other old tradition plays and performance. The plays and performance can distinct from each part of Thailand depend on where they live.
Songkarn or water festival in Thailand is considering a Thanksgiving or Christmas to the western world. All Thai people are looking forward to these days, to go home and be with tier love one. People who work or live away from their home town want to go back to their parents and show them gratitude. They will buy gifts back to their hometown and cook the best meal they can and whole shebang. (You get what I mean)



Now, let talk about fun part! I know, I have been bored you to dead about my country big day story hehe! Nowadays, the old tradition has adapted following the new globalization world. Even though, we can still see the old tradition from the rural area. But our civilize change the way people playing water completely. In the main cities or towns in Thailand, they will have many events for Thai people or tourist to enjoy the day. Water guns are popular selling in this festival. People put barrel in the back of the pick-up truck and drive around the town throw water to each other. There will be concerts and water throwing event where you can get the ticket and get in, then join the party (price quite expensive for boost water that sell in there). 



A lot of magazine documentaries were consider Songkran or water festival in Thailand is one of the best time and place to be in to. Some tips and warning for all newbies that want to come to Songkran or water festival in Thailand. First of all, it takes place in Summer and oh boy, Thailand’s summer can burn you good. The temperature can goes up to 100F and lots of lots of humid, I suggest, bring your most comfortable clothes. Oh, and if you want to walk around on public places during Water Festival, prepare to get wet so I recommend the waterproof bag that you can put your electronics devices and wallet in it. Of course, more people more trouble, pick pocket is something you guys should be extra careful, so if you have to go out and play make sure you have some secure place to store your valuable items. I suggest, bring your ID card but leave your passport at your hotel. Oh and if you plan to travel to other province, traffic is going to be hectic, so plan ahead will save you lot of time.
The famous spots for Songkran or water festival you might consider.
  • Khao San road Bangkok province
  • Khao Niew road, Khon Kaen province
  • Chiang Mai municipality
  • Pattaya Chonburi province
  • Phuket island
All and all, no matter how much Songkran or water festival have changed from before, to me, the core value is still intact in this change. That core value is family. This special holoday, we all looking forward go back home and celebrate with our love one either the traditional one or the modern one and I’m sure Thai people will never leave this core vale no matter how long the time is past.
Hey, I got an idea! Whoever reading this blog and ever been to Songkran festival share your picture and comment it on this blog telling us and other; what is your best and worse experience you have on Songkran festival. I will be looking forward to hear from you guys soon. 
Photo Credit:  tourismthailand

TAGS : | | | | | | |