Songkran celebration

Introduction:

Imagine walking down a busy street packed with people walking with guns loaded, ready to attack anytime and you could be anyone's target; or you could be the one looking for your next target. Sounds scary? Fret not! As the fight is a friendly fight, the guns are water pistols loaded with lots and lots of water, sometimes ice cold ones! Yes! We are talking about the biggest water festival in Thailand: the Songkran!

Songkran is the new year celebration in Thailand. It marks the beginning of the new solar year. This is characterized by the locals visiting friends and family, going to the temples and splashing water at each other. Officially, it is observed for three days; the celebrations, however, often last for a week.

Splashing water and water fights hugely characterize the festival of Songkran

Traditional dance and music performances are held at certain places (this one has been taken at Khao San road)

Significance:

Water guns, garden hose, buckets and anything that can splash water (sometimes ice water) are used

The water splashing signifies the washing off the bad luck of the past year, thus welcoming the new year afresh with a good start.

Where and when:

People dance to the beats of music and beat the heat with water sprays

Traditional dance and music performances are held at certain places (this one has been taken at Khao San road)

Traditional dance and music performances are held at certain places (this one has been taken at Khao San road)

Benjasiri Park, Bangkok: Government sponsored celebrations start April 8 onwards, characterized by traditional customs, music and food as a way of introducing visitors to the festival’s spiritual side. The festivities continue daily from 12pm to 8pm.

Sukhumvit Road, Bangkok: Witness parades running along Sukhumvit Road between Phrom Phong and MBK shopping centre, 5.30pm to 8.30pm, showcasing Thailand’s cultural diversity.

Songkran Wisutkasat, Bangkok: Characterized by water splashing and a traditional beauty contest, under the Rama 8 bridge; April 13-15.

Khao San Road, Bangkok: Wild party with water fight, DJ's, music and dancing; April 13-15; 10am-9pm.

Silom Road, Bangkok: The highlight here is the firetrucks at each intersection with their incredibly powerful water hoses; April 13-15; 12am-10pm.

CentralWorld Shopping Complex, Bangkok: The environment here is more family friendly, characterized by foam party; April 13-15.

Phra Pradeng district: If you want to witness the more traditional celebration, head to Phra Pradaeng district where the Thai-Raman communities live out their Songkran traditions. Enjoy an array of cultural activities, such as the Thai-Raman flag ceremony, ‘saba’ game, Raman dances, boat races, floral floats parade, and many more; April 21-23

Ayutthaya: A unique Songkran celebration involving elephants takes place in front of TAT Ayutthaya Office, April 13-15.

Bang Saen District, Chon Buri: Sand pagoda ceremony and cultural activities, including sand sculpture contests along Bangsaen beach; April 16-17.

Pattaya: Join the celebrations with a range of activities at North, Central and South Pattaya Beaches; April 11-19; 9am-12pm.

Phuket: Join Songkran celebrations at the Patong beach; April 11-13; 10am-10pm.

Hat Yai: Join the locals to welcome the new year in a unique way as the clock strikes midnight at Nipat Uthit 3 Road, Sanehanusorn Road and Wat Mahatta; April 11-15; 10am-11pm.

Ko Samui: Join the celebrations at popular Chaweng Beach; April 12-13; 8am-8pm.

The celebration:

Traditionally, Thais perform the Rod Nam Dum Hua ritual on the first day of Songkran, a traditional way to celebrate with the elders. Most of the locals go back to their hometown to meet their elders on this day, which is officially the National Elderly Day. As a part of the ritual, young people would pour fragrant water into the elders’ palms as a humble gesture asking for their blessings.

On the second day, which is  is officially the National Family Day, families will start their day by giving alms to the monks.

‘Bathing the Buddha image’, that is, performing water pouring on Buddha statues is considered an iconic ritual for this holiday.

Water splashing hugely characterizes the celebration and draws tourists from around the world who come to be a part of this. Major streets are closed to traffic, and are used as arenas for water fights.

Traditional parades are held and in some venues "Miss Songkran" is crowned.” where contestants are clothed in traditional Thai dress.

Wet powder is applied to faces as a symbolism of extending blessings.

Locals dress up in different attires

Wet powder is applied to faces as a symbolism of extending blessings

People dance to the beats of music and beat the heat with water sprays

Mask ready, eye glass working, gun loaded... Ready for attack

Traditional dance and music performances are held at certain places (this one has been taken at Khao San road

Important points to note:

1. During Songkran, if you are in Bangkok, it is better to stay at a hotel that is at walking distance from the celebration areas listed above. The traffic jam is not uncommon during this festival so walking comes handy in such cases.
2. Carry waterproof pouch with you to keep your phone and / or money. Alternately, you can buy one from one of the shops selling water guns.
3. Buy sunglasses from the water guns stalls. This will prevent the water from hitting your eyes directly causing unnecessary irritation.
4. Enjoy to the fullest