Songkran is the thai traditional New Year and occasion for family reunion.At this time,people from the rural areas who are working in the city usually return home to celebrate the festival.
The festival falls on April 13 and the annual celebration is held throughout the kingdom. In fact, Songkran is a Thai word which means ”move” or ”change place” as it is the day when the sun changes its position in the zodiac. It is also known as the ”Water festival” as people believe that water will wash away bad luck.
This Thai traditional New Year begins with early morning merit-making, offering food to Buddhist monks and releasing caged bird to fly freely into the sky. During this auspicious occasion, any animal kept will be set free. Paying homage to one’s ancestors is an important part of the day. People will pay their respects to the elders by pouring scented water over the palms of their hands. The elders in return wish the youngsters good luck and prosperity.
highlight: Songkran is a hugely important festival to Thai people, but it’s also very popular with visitors and many tourists specifically arrange their holidays around this unique event. Anyone and everyone can and will get involved in the celebrations. If you’re out and about during Songkran, you’re guaranteed to end up soaked but you’ll have lots of fun in the process! So, if you’re planning a trip to Songkran in Thailand. hopefully, this has given you some insight into what makes this event so important and unique and prepared you for what you can expect from Songkran celebrations throughout the country. Happy water throwing! visitors can celebrate Songkran Festival nationwide or experience the uniqueness of the event in major cities as follows:
Chiang Mai : Chiang Mai Songkran Festival includes a procession of Pra Buddha Sihing, a highly revered Buddha image, around the city. People on both sides of the road sprinkle fragrant water on the Buddha image. This ceremony is followed by the sprinkling of water to seek the blessing of the elder, creating sand-pagodas, and watching Lanna cultural performances and folk games. The festival is not complete without water- throwing activities. The most-talked-about celebration takes place in the northern province of Chiang Mai where Songkran is celebrated from April 13 to 15 . During this period, people from all parts of the country flock there to enjoy the water festival, to watch the miss Songkran Contest and the beautiful parades.
