What is Songkran?

Songkran is the traditional Thai New Year, celebrated on April 13 every year for three days. The first day of the festival is called "Maha Songkran Day" and marks the end of the past year. The next day of the festival is called "Mang Sung", and the last day of the festival, April 15, is called "Mang Tha Long Sung", marking the beginning of the new year. Many expatriates who work in the city return to their hometowns to celebrate the New Year. As a result, cities like Bangkok can be particularly quiet during the festival.

Songkran means "moving away" or "changing places" in Thai. This is because it is the day when the sun changes its position in the Zodiac chart. "Songkran is also known as the "Water Festival", so many people believe that water can wash away bad luck.

In Thailand, Songkran is a meaningful custom for the community, society, and religion. For families, it's a time for reunions, when families can express their love and affection, and children pour scented water over their parents' or grandparents' hands to show their respect and offer gifts. They also pay homage to their ancestors' shrines and tell of their accomplishments or encounters. The elders give their blessings to the younger ones, wishing them success in their endeavors and good luck.

For communities, Songkran promotes unity, allowing them to participate in recreational activities while improving communication and ****ing for development.

For the community, Songkran strengthens people's concern for the environment and mobilizes them to clean houses, temples, public **** areas and official buildings.

Songkran is also of great significance for religions, with people giving alms to monks, who take the opportunity to preach.

On the afternoon of the festival, after the bathing rituals of the Buddha statues and the monks, people of all ages splash water on each other. The most popular celebrations are those in the northern part of Truong Buay province. From April 13 to 15, people from all over the country gather there to celebrate the water festival and watch the Miss Songkran contest and the glamorous street parade.

In Bangkok, the statue of Buddha, known as Bhumdasheen, was moved from the National Museum across the street from the main hall to be sprayed with water to ward off evil spirits.