Songkran Festival

Songkran is the traditional Thai New Year festival since the former time. It is a celebration that embraces goodwill, love, compassion, and thankfulness, using water as the means of expression.

The word Songkran derives from Sanskrit meaning to move or step forward. The first day of Songkran takes place when the sun moves from Pisces into Aries, which marks the New Year’s Day according to the Brahmin solar system.

Songkran Festival

The festival of Songkran falls on the 13th, 14th, and 15 th of April every year. The first day is known as Maha Songkran or the grand Songkran.

The Thai government has declared Songkran festival as extended public holidays to enable the people to return to their hometown for family reunions, merit-making and reuniting with others in their community.

April 13 th is also declared the Day of the Senior or Elderly by the government. The occasion marks the appreciation for the senior population for their years of contribution to the family and country.

The 14 th of April is designated as Family Day to celebrate family love and togetherness.

The importance of Songkran Festival

Songkran is regarded as one of the most important traditions in Thailand because it encompasses the three major values in the Thai way of life which are:

Value of family: Songkran is the time when family members come together to show appreciation, love and respect as well as making merit and paying homage to their ancestors.

Value of society: Through active participation and interaction with each other, Songkran brings the people in the community together to enhance goodwill and unity in the society.

Value of religion: Making merit by offering food to monks, going to the temples and attending Buddhist sermons are auspicious activities done during Songkran .