What is Songkran?

Songkran is the occasion for family re-unions, temple visits and annual house cleaning. Many
Thais observe the holidays by spending time with families and friends. Traditionally, Thais
perform the Rod Nam Dum Hua ritual on the first day of Songkran, which is officially the
National Elderly Day. During the ritual, young people would pour fragrant water into the elders’
palms as a gesture of humility and to ask for their blessings. The second day of Songkran is
officially the National Family Day. Families would wake up early and give alms to the monks,
then ideally the rest of the day would be spent sharing quality family time together. An
important religious ritual on Songkran is ‘Bathing the Buddha image’, in which devout Buddhists
pour fragrant water over Buddha statues both at the temple and at home. More religious Thais
would engage themselves in Buddhist ceremonies and merit-making activities throughout the
holidays.

Water as Symbolism
Contradictory to what you may have witnessed throughout Songkran, fun-loving Thais don’t
just throw water at each other for no good reason (besides having a kick out of seeing other
people soaking wet). The real meaning behind the splashes is to symbolically wash off all
misfortunes in the past year, thus welcoming the new year with a fresh new start. Traditionally,
Thais would politely pour a bowl of water on members of the family, their close friends and
neighbours. As Songkran has taken a more festive note, a bowl becomes a bucket, garden hose
and water guns, and the spirit of holiday merriment is shared amongst all town residents and
tourists alike.

Making Merit
Making merit is an essential part of Songkran, and visiting nine sacred temples
during Songkran considered one of the ultimate accumulators. Try temples in the
Rattanokosin area like Wat Pho, Wat Phra Kaeo, Wat Suthat Thepphawararam,
Wat Chana Songkhram, Wat Boworn, Wat Benchamabophit, Wat Rakhang
Khositaram, Wat Arun and Wat Kanlaya.

When is Songkran?
Before Thailand adopted the international New Year’s Day in 1940, Songkran was calculated
based on the solar calendar, which varied from one year to the next. Now Songkran in Bangkok
is from 13 to 15 April of every year. Depending on where you are in the country, the dates and
period of festivities may vary.

Silom
Probably the largest and wildest crowd in Bangkok; The entire 5 km length of this street - mostly known
for Patpong - is packed on two levels with thousands of young Thais carrying anything that can spray
water. The best part is that you can enjoy the party in relatively dry surroundings by staying on the BTS
sky walk that runs above the street. Relatively means that you should still carry any valuable items in a
plastic bag. From up there you can witness the full extent of the game: a huge colorful crowd of smiling
young Thais slowly walking between two rows of stalls selling water guns, food, soft drinks and of
course, lots of beer. The highlight is to spot the firetrucks ambushed at each intersection with their
incredibly powerful water hoses. The crowd is actually delighted to be hosed down as the heat can reach
40˚C in the sun.

Songkran Do’s and Don’ts

Do’s
 Do give alms and make merit (or just witness the rituals if you are not a Buddhist)
 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 paralysed.
 Do try wishing the locals a happy new year in Thai – “Sawasdee Pee Mai!”
 Do smile and have fun

Don’ts
 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
.