Last year, after the water war on Silom road, I was of course soaking wet! and full of powder.
Songkran (Thai: สงกรานต์) is a traditional Thai New Year festival where people enjoy themselves by throwing water at each other.
The Significance of Songkran
In Sanskrit, the word Songkran means ‘to pass’ or ‘move into’ and indicates the passing of the sun, moon and other planets into a new zodiac orbit.
Songkran is celebrated on April 13th every year and if you are in Thailand, you’d find yourself swept up in festivities for three, five or even 10 days, depending on your specific location in the country.
The original purpose of Songkran festival is to bless others through water. Water symbolizes the cleansing of bad luck and misfortune among the Thais and getting splashed signifies a brand new beginning.
Water, Water Everywhere
To state that the Thais celebrate Songkran with water is a huge understatement. If you long for the carefree days of childhood (or if you are still a kid), don’t miss out on the Songkran ‘water wars’. Bowls (ขัน), containers (ภาชนะ) and large buckets (ถัง) filled with water are hurled at anyone who happens to be around, and lively water fights take centre stage on the streets, which are awash with carnival-like atmosphere. Some Songkran enthusiasts even resort to using garden horses and powerful water guns. (ปืนฉีดน้ำ)
Your presence at the festival is seen as an invitation to participate, so if you don’t want to get wet, stay clear! However, many welcome the refreshing feeling of cool water on their skin, especially since April is the hottest month of the year in Southeast Asia. It is easy to conclude that these water wars are just about having a good time but there is more to the splashes than meets the eye.
What Thai people do during Songkran Festival besides throwing water
On the first day of Songkran, which is a day to honour the elderly, an old custom called Rod Nam Dum Hua (รดน้ำดำหัว) takes place. This ritual involves young people pouring scented water into the palms of wise elders as a signs of humility and to ask for their blessings.
The second day of Songkran is dedicated to families and officially known as National Family Day (วันครอบครัวแห่งชาติ). Families get together at dawn to donate alms to Buddhist monks.
To the largely Buddhist population of Thailand, Songkran is also a time for temple visits and religious rituals. Bathing the Buddha is an essential ceremony where devout Buddhists wash statues of the Buddha (พระพุทธรูป), both at home and at the temple, with fragrant water. Songkran is also seen as a day for spring cleaning and many Thais take the opportunity to get their houses spic and span for the New Year.
In Many parts of Thailand, Songkran is celebrated with grand procession, beauty contests (Miss Songkran contest เทพีสงกรานต์), food fairs, boat races, cultural games and firework displays.
Click here to learn some simple Dos and Don’ts during Songkran festival
สวัสดีปีใหม่ครูมด
I was hoping and expecting that you would post an explanation about Songkran.
Thanks ครับ
ด้วยความยินดีค่ะคุณจอห์น
สวัสดีปีใหม่ไทยค่ะ:)
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OMG…you’re adorable
so nice
i’m going to Thailand next week and will be there to celebrate Songkran 
So Excited!!!!
Thanks for the post
sawasdee krap Mod
I was always wondering does the white powder on peoples’ faces symbolise something ?
สวัสดีครับ. สุขสันต์วันสงกรานต์ครับ. Unfortunately I cannot speak, write or read Thai yet… but with the www something is always possible anyhow (of course with the danger of mistakes). Thanks for all your youtube lessons and all your efforts to bring Thai language closer to the people all around the world. I appreciate it a lot and please go on with it. As I will have a visit to Thailand this year I maybe come back to you to take some Skype lessons. Hopefully I will find the time and patience to do so. So all the best to you and your family. สวัสดีครับ. มาร์ทิน
Woh, It’s sound great. I’m eager to go to Thailand next week. I hope I’ll happily enjoy Songkran Festival.