Songkran Water Festival in 2024: Everything you need to know

The Thai Water Festival, famously known as Songkran, holds a significant place as one of Thailand's most vital celebrations. Marking the inception of the new year in accordance with the Buddhist calendar, this festival ignites the nation with religious ceremonies, processions, traditional dances, and, notably, spirited water battles. Within this piece, we aim to immerse you in this period of jubilation and purification, as Thais unite to exchange wishes for a joyous new year by joyfully dousing one another with water

Written by Preetika Narula (Local Expert)Updated on 15-04-2024

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Table of contents

1. What is the Thailand Water Festival?
2. How to Celebrate Songkran in Thailand?
3. Where to Celebrate Songkran in Thailand?
4. Tips for Maximizing Your Thai New Year Experience

1. What is the Thailand Water Festival?

Songkran, known as the Water Festival, commemorates the Thai New Year following the Buddhist calendar. This age-old celebration occurs annually from April 13 and can last between 3-7 days depending on the province in Thailand.

The term 'Songkran' originates from Sanskrit, signifying 'passage'. It denotes the hottest period, signifying the shift from the dry season to the onset of the rainy season, a crucial phase for Thai agriculture. Songkran is absolutely epic, an amazing and unique time to come visit for every tourist.

This festival, aligned with the Buddhist calendar, goes by different names in various parts of Southeast Asia. Termed 'Thingyan' in Burma, 'Chaul Chnam' in Cambodia, and 'Pimay' in Laos.

Water assumes immense significance in this festival, symbolizing renewal by purifying negative energies and ushering in good fortune for the approaching year, per Buddhist beliefs. Symbolically, it holds the power to cleanse the past year, allowing individuals to prepare for the year ahead.

During this celebration, streets teem with people engaged in exuberant 'water fights'. The atmosphere pulsates with music, dance, and joy, creating an unparalleled festive ambiance. By dousing one another, Thai people convey wishes for happiness, prosperity, and good health to themselves and their dear ones.

Check out Time and location of Songkran Festival in Thailand 2024!

songkran water festival — *Participants sprinkle each other with water in the Songkran festival*

This occasion is also cherished by numerous foreigners who visit to embrace this unique experience and partake in the revelries.

2. How to Celebrate Songkran in Thailand?

During the three-day Songkran festival, numerous traditional activities take place, including water splashing, house and Buddha statue cleaning, temple offerings, and lively street and beach parties.

2.1. The Tradition of Water Pouring

The practice of water splashing originated from collecting water used to cleanse Buddha statues. This water was then poured over family members and elders for blessings. Thais believe in the spiritual purity of water, attributing to it the ability to absolve sins and grudges accumulated in the previous year.

tradition of pouring water — *Thai people believe in purifying water to cleanse past sins*

Over time, this ritual evolved into a national splashing event, focusing on both joy and spirituality. While locals revel in this aquatic excitement, they also dedicate part of their Songkran to visiting Wats (Buddhist temples) for donations and to accrue merit.

Central to Songkran is the ceremonial bathing. Thais believe water holds the power to purify and rejuvenate the mind and body. During the festivities, participants sprinkle water on each other, wishing a happy new year while cleansing themselves of past year's transgressions.

participants in songkran water festival — *Participants sprinkle each other with water to wish each other a happy new year*

2.2 Religious Observances During Songkran

Songkran offers an opportunity for Thais to make offerings to monks. They visit temples to present food, clothing, and other gifts, showing respect and appreciation for the monks' spiritual teachings and seeking blessings for the new year.

Thai people frequently attend temples for prayers and religious ceremonies. They construct sand stupas, known as "chedi," symbolizing renewal and prosperity.

During Songkran, processions enliven the streets in celebration. Participants don traditional attire and carry Buddha statues alongside offerings to temples, often accompanied by music and traditional dances.

religious rituals during Songkran — *Sand stupa, called "chedi"*

2.3. Decorations and Family Gatherings

Throughout Songkran, houses and temples gleam with garlands of flowers and vibrant flags, as there's a popular belief that these decorations bring luck and ward off evil spirits. Thais embrace the tradition of cleaning their homes and temples, ridding them of negative energies amassed in the past year to usher in the new year with positivity.

Another significant custom during Songkran is “sabai sabai,” which translates to “relax” in Thai. At this time, Thais take moments to unwind, gather with family and friends, and relish outdoor activities.

festival songkran thailand — *Decorations of flower garlands and colorful flags*

Families often come together to partake in sharing traditional meals, playing games, and participating in various outdoor pursuits. It's also a chance for individuals to don traditional Thai attire, such as the "Thai shush" for women and the "chong kben" for men.

For insightful tips and a comprehensive guide on managing your expenses while exploring the wonders of Thailand in 2024, be sure to check out "Mastering Your Budget in Thailand: Prices and Tips."

3. Where to Celebrate Songkran in Thailand?

3.1. Bangkok

As the capital of Thailand, Bangkok emerges as one of the prime spots to immerse yourself in the vibrant spirit of Songkran. The city streets transform into lively water battlegrounds where locals and tourists engage in spirited water fights, armed with water guns and buckets. Key celebration areas like Silom Road, Khao San Road, and Rama 9 Road offer an unforgettable Songkran experience. Or, give a motorcycle taxi driver ฿1000 to drive you around for a few hours. You'll get soaked.

where is songkran — *Songkran festival in Bangkok*

3.2. Ayutthaya

For a more traditional Songkran affair, Ayutthaya, an ancient capital of the Kingdom of Siam, beckons. Here, you'll partake in traditional Buddhist rituals such as bathing sacred statues and presenting offerings to monks. Ayutthaya offers a serene and spiritual setting to celebrate Songkran.

songkran in ayutthaya — *The Songkran water festival in Ayutthaya*

3.3. Chiang Mai

Nestled in Northern Thailand, Chiang Mai boasts renowned Songkran celebrations. Experience traditional processions, epic water battles, and lively street revelries. The historic city center of Chiang Mai becomes the hub of Songkran festivities, including the not-to-miss Miss Songkran parade showcasing the grace of Thai contestants.

songkran in chiang mai — *Songkran water festival in Chiang Mai*

3.4. Phuket

The southern paradise of Phuket also ranks high as a Songkran celebration spot. Its beaches transform into colossal water fight arenas where celebrants joyously drench each other. Patong Beach, Karon Beach, and Kata Beach host the main celebrations. After a day of aquatic revelry, unwind at Phuket's beautiful beaches and indulge in the island's diverse array of bars and restaurants. Explore more about Phuket Beach Clubs and Bars.

songkran festival on the beach — *Songkran water festival at Phuket beach*

Here's a map which will guide you to the best place to celebrate Songkran in Thailand!!

Songkran Map — *Source: Amazing Thailand*

4. Tips for Maximizing Your Thai New Year Experience

4.1. What to Do During Songkran

Extend warm greetings to the Thai people by saying “Sawadee Pee Mai,” conveying “Happy New Year.”
Show respect during processions by maintaining humility and restraint, refraining from interfering with rituals unless invited to participate.
Opt for public transport due to potential heavy traffic during Songkran; taxis may refuse soaked passengers.
Carry only essential items, securely stored in plastic bags.
Wear suitable shoes that dry quickly. As Songkran falls in April, Thailand's hot season, wearing lightweight, breathable clothing ensures comfort throughout the day.
Keep in mind that during Songkran, most offices, banks, and numerous small shops and restaurants remain closed, while major shopping malls typically stay open.
Savor traditional Thai dishes such as Tom Yum, Pad Thai, and Mango Sticky Rice. Also, indulge in a delicious Thai Margarita to quench your thirst!

Learn more about: Greeting in Thai

elephants in festival songkran thailand — *The elephants have fun at the water festival with the men*

4.2. What NOT to do on Songkran

Avoid getting drunk or behaving inappropriately during the festivities. Respect local customs and traditions.
Exercise caution when joining water fights to refrain from accidents. DON'T spray water on non-participants such as the elderly or monks. Use clean water responsibly, avoiding wastage.
Try not to get shot directly in your ears or eyes it can lead to infections.
Avoid using colored powder during Songkran, as these products can be toxic and cause skin and eye irritation. It's safer to opt for water splashing instead.
Do not drive under the influence of alcohol or intoxicants during Songkran; congested roads during the festivities pose significant risks.
Do not target unwilling participants or using forceful water jets or dangerous objects during celebrations.

Songkran troll — *A troll photo of Songkran*

Songkran stands as a joyful and spiritually rich celebration, shining a light on Thai traditions and culture. The symbols and rituals of this holiday have deep roots spanning centuries, offering both Thais and visitors a distinct chance to unite, purify, and extend New Year's wishes. Whether you're a local resident or a tourist, engaging in Songkran promises an unforgettable immersion into the essence of Thai culture. Get ready to embrace the fun and water-filled festivities of this upcoming Songkran!

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