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Songkran Water Festival

 Get ready to splash into the Thai New Year with Songkran Water Festival - a fun-filled celebration of water, music, and culture!

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When it is?
April 13
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Category
Cultural
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Country
Thailand
Creator
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Founded

Introduction

Mark your calendars for April 13 because it's time to get wet and wild at the Songkran Water Festival! This annual celebration marks the traditional Thai New Year and is known for its playful water fights and cleansing rituals. It is believed that splashing water on others during this time brings good luck and blessings for the new year. The festival also includes cultural activities, street parades, and delicious food. Get ready to join in on the fun and embrace the spirit of renewal and joy that comes with Songkran!

History of Songkran Water Festival

Songkran Water Festival Timeline

<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1782</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Rattanakosin Period Begins</div><div class='timeline-text'>Songkran was celebrated as Thai New Year at the start of Rattanakosin Period by Thai people.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1940</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Change of New Year Date</div><div class='timeline-text'>Thailand moved the start of the new year to January 1, however, Songkran remained a national holiday and continued to be celebrated.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1989</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Songkran Festival Expansion</div><div class='timeline-text'>Thai government extended the festival to a week-long celebration to promote tourism.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2014</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Largest Water Gun Fight</div><div class='timeline-text'>A record was set for the largest water gun fight during the Songkran festival with over 3,477 participants.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2018</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Cultural Recognition</div><div class='timeline-text'>UNESCO officially recognized Songkran festival as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity.</div></div></div>

How to Celebrate Songkran Water Festival

<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Join a water fight</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>The Songkran Water Festival is known for its epic water fights, so grab some water guns or buckets and get ready to join in on the fun!</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a cultural event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Many cities host cultural events during the Songkran Water Festival, such as traditional dances, music performances, and food markets. Take part in these events to learn more about the festival's history and traditions.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Wear traditional clothing</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>To fully immerse yourself in the festival, consider wearing traditional Thai clothing, such as a sarong or a pha khao ma. This will not only make you feel more connected to the culture, but also make for some great photos!</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Cook Thai cuisine</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take a cooking class or follow a recipe to make some delicious Thai dishes at home. This is a great way to celebrate the festival and try new flavors and ingredients.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit a Buddhist temple</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>The Songkran Water Festival is also a time for Buddhist ceremonies and rituals. Visit a local temple to participate in these traditions and pay your respects.</p></div></div>

Why We Love Songkran Water Festival

<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It is a celebration of unity and community</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Songkran Water Festival is a time for people to come together and celebrate as one. It promotes the sense of unity and camaraderie among neighbors, friends, and even strangers. People of all ages and backgrounds participate in this festival, making it an inclusive and joyous celebration.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It brings out the childlike joy in everyone</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Water fights, parades, music, and dancing - Songkran Water Festival has it all! This festival encourages people to let loose and have fun like they did when they were kids. Everyone joins in on the festivities, laughing and splashing each other with water - which is guaranteed to bring out the inner child in anyone!</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It celebrates new beginnings and renewal</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The Songkran Water Festival marks the traditional Thai New Year, symbolizing new beginnings and renewal. It is a time to leave the past behind and welcome the future with open arms. This important aspect of the festival encourages people to reflect on their lives and start fresh, bringing a sense of hope and optimism for the coming year.</p></div></div>

5 Splashy Facts about Songkran Water Festival

Songkran Water Festival FAQs

When is Songkran Water Festival?

The Songkran Water Festival is celebrated on April 13 every year. In 2024, the festival will take place on a Saturday.

Songkran Water Festival Dates

Year
Date
Day

2023

Apr 13

Thursday

2024

Apr 13

Saturday

2025

Apr 13

Sunday

2026

Apr 13

Monday

2027

Apr 13

Tuesday