Songkran Festival

Content

What is Songkran?

What is the legend of Songkran?

Traditions and Modern-day Songkran

Songkran Tips

What is Songkran?

Songkran is Thailand’s lunar new year. The Thai New Year
celebration begins on April 13 and ends on April 15 of every
year.

Songkran is a Sanskrit word for "a move" or "a change, since the celebration occurs during the period where the sun changes its position in the zodiac. Each of the three days has its own name and
different significance.

The 13th is Grand Songkran Day, which is the first
day of the year according to the Thai lunar calendar.


The 14th is considered Thailand’s National Family
Day.


The 15th marks Thai National Elderly Day.

Legend of Songkran

The story goes that the god Kabila Phrom challenged an
intelligent 7-year-old boy called Thammabal to solve riddles,
on the condition that the one losing this challenge must be
beheaded.

Thammabal solved the riddles, and Kabilla Phrom kept his
word. However, his head had strange powers that could cause
disasters. If it touched the ground, the earth would catch fire;
if it were to be left in the air, there would be no rain; and if it
were to be dropped into the sea, the sea would run dry.

To save the world, Kabilla Phrom’s 7 daughters or Nang
Songkran agreed to take turns to carry their father’s head on a golden phan or tray around Mount Meru each year.

Since then, the celebration has been called Songkran and
has been adopted by many Southeast Asian countries. It is
also believed that Nang Songkrans, who take turn in
carrying the golden phan each year, possess different
characteristics.

Legend of Songkran

Historically, this event is associated with Buddhism. Thai
people celebrate the Thai New Year by gathering with
their loved ones, making merit at their local temples and
pouring over statues of Buddha, gently sprinkle water
onto their family members and friends as a blessing for
the coming year.

Traditions

Thai youngsters now celebrate
modern-day Songkran festival with
a massive water fight across the
kingdom. Some people also mix
powder with water and apply it on
strangers.

Modern-day Songkran

Protect your phone or camera with a plastic bag, or leave it at a safe place to avoid being damaged.
Have fun in major destinations.
NO ESCAPE
Say ‘Suksan Wan Songkran’ = ‘Happy Songkran Day’

Songkran Tips

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