Songkran: The best tips for Thailand's New Year celebrations

Songkran: The best tips for Thailand's New Year celebrations

In the popular television series “The White Lotus,” an interesting question is raised in the third season: “Why does everyone carry these weapons?” This remark comes from Kate (Leslie Bibb), one of three women who are on a girls' trip to Thailand together - even if they don't exactly seem to be the best of friends. During a trip to a town near their resort, the women are alarmed by the heavily armed but colorfully dressed crowd.

Songkran: A Water Festival with Deeper Meaning

“During Songkran there are water fights in the streets,” explains resort employee Valentin (Arnas Fedaravicius) as he drops them off and advises them to go do some shopping. “It’s just for fun, don’t worry.” The women continue walking through the crowded street, asking a group of young children who are spraying them with water to be left alone because they are "going out tonight" and "don't want to get wet." As any experienced Songkran participant knows, such requests often make the situation worse.

The chaos of water fights

The screaming women try to escape the chaos with the children hot on their heels. They eventually seek refuge in a store, where Jaclyn (Michelle Monaghan) exclaims, "What was that?!" At first glance, the annual Songkran festival in Thailand actually seems to consist of nothing more than a huge water fight. Every April, young and old flock to the country's streets, armed with water guns and buckets, to stage hours-long water fights from morning to night.

A unique cultural tradition

Although this is undoubtedly the most well-known aspect of the celebration, Songkran also encompasses unique cultural traditions that make it an excellent time for travelers to visit Thailand.

What exactly is Songkran?

The word “Songkran” supposedly comes from the old Sanskrit and describes the monthly movement within the zodiac. It marks the start of the traditional Thai New Year and is usually celebrated from April 13 to 15, although in some regions the festivities are extended by a few days.

A time for family and tradition

Songkran takes place at the peak of the Thai summer. This is a time to take a break from work and make the journey home. Many people travel hundreds of miles to their hometowns to connect with family and friends. In 2023, Songkran was added to the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. The entry states that the festival marks the annual passage of the sun into the zodiac sign of Aries, the first sign of the zodiac, which marks the traditional start of the New Year celebrations.

Symbolism of the water ceremony

“Pouring water during Songkran is a meaningful act that symbolizes purification, reverence and happiness,” says UNESCO. “Other activities include bathing important Buddha statues, sprinkling family and friends, folk games, music and feasting.” Songkran is therefore not only a major water festival, but also an event deeply rooted in Thai culture that celebrates community and tradition.