Celebrating Thai New Year in Songkran Water Festival 2024
What is Songkran?
Songkran is Thailand’s most famous festival. This important event in the Buddhist calendar marks the beginning of the traditional Thai New Year 2024. The name Songkran comes from a Sanskrit word meaning ‘passing’ or ‘approaching’.
Songkran is celebrated grandly in Pattaya, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket and many cities around Thailand.
Why use Water?
The real meaning behind the water is to symbolically cleanse all misfortunes of the past year and to welcome the New Year with a clean and fresh new start.
Traditionally, Thai people would politely pour a bowl of water on members of the family, their close friends and neighbors for good fortune and to pay their respects. As Songkran has taken a more festive note, a bowl has evolved into a bucket, garden hose and water guns, and the festive spirit of this holiday is shared among all residents and tourists alike.
Do’s & Don’ts in Songkran
Do
- Do use waterproof bags to protect your valuables
- Do watch your belongings
- Do use public transportation if you are heading to one of Songkran ‘hotspots’, as traffic will be paralyzed
- Do try wishing the locals a happy new year in Thai – “Sawasdee Pee Mai!”
- Do smile and have fun
Do not
- Do not douse monks, babies or the elderly
- Do not drive when you have been drinking
- Do not throw water with ice or dirty water
- Do not throw water at motorcyclists, to prevent road accidents
Accommodations for Songkran
If you are planning to spend Songkran holiday in Thailand, early hotel booking is highly recommended.
Wish You A Happy Songkran
