Songkran Festival

History & Origins of Songkran Festival

Songkran is the traditional Thai New Year's national holiday, celebrated from April 13th to 15th (and often extended). The word 'Songkran' comes from the Sanskrit word meaning 'astrological passage' or 'transformation'. It is deeply rooted in Buddhist traditions of cleansing, purification, and renewal.

How It Is Observed & Celebrated

Songkran is famous worldwide for its massive, joyous water fights in streets across the country, where people splash water on each other to symbolically wash away misfortunes of the past year. Traditionally, it is also a deeply respectful family time where younger generations pour scented water over the hands of elders (Rod Nam Dum Hua) to seek blessings, visit Buddhist temples to offer food to monks, and bathe sacred Buddha statues.