New Year’s Day across the world is not celebrated on the same day. This day varies across different religions, countries, and cultures. Now, the Thai New Year is coming up soon, and the Songkran Festival stands out as the most exciting and widely loved. This festival brings families, friends, and communities together. Keep reading to know more!
When Is Songkran Festival Celebrated?
Songkran festival marks the Thai New Year, and many know it as the Thailand Water Festival. The word “Songkran” comes from Sanskrit, meaning “to step into” or “enter.” It symbolises stepping into a fresh year, washing away the past, and starting anew. The festival happens every year from April 13 to 15. While Bangkok celebrates for three days, northern cities like Chiang Mai extend it for a week.
Wondering which places celebrate the Songkran Festival? Top destinations to experience Songkran include Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Pattaya, and Koh Samui. No matter where you go, you’ll find streets filled with water fights, cultural shows, and delicious Thai food.
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How Do People Celebrate This Festival?
Do you know what makes this celebration so special? It’s the perfect mix of tradition and pure fun. People honour the festival by pouring water over Buddha statues and gently sprinkling scented water on the hands of monks and elders. The playful water fights in the streets symbolise washing away bad luck and welcoming the new year with joy.
Families take part in temple visits, offer food to monks, and join cleansing rituals to honour traditions. At the same time, the streets come alive with massive water battles. People splash each other with buckets, water guns, and even ride in water-filled trucks. Talcum powder paste is sometimes applied for fun, representing sins being washed away. Across the cities, colourful parades, cultural performances, and live music make the atmosphere lively and full of energy.
How excited are you to celebrate this festival? Tell us in the comments below!
Also Read: Hindu New Year 2026: When Is It? Significance, Traditions; All You Need To Know
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons/ JJ Harrison
FAQs
When is Songkran festival celebrated?
Every year, Songkran festival is celebrated from April 13 to 15.
What is Songkran festival?
One of the most famous celebrations, Songkran festival is Thai New Year.
How people celebrate Songkran festival?
During Songkran festival, people get into fun water fights.