Thailand is notoriously famous for its festive water celebration, The Songkran, every April. This year, Songkran will start on the 13th and last till the 16th. The emphasis has shifted from being religious and cultural towards a scene of enjoyment and fun, where travelers will travel across the globe to take part in this festival. How was Songkran originated and where are all the fun?

The Origin of Songkran Festival

Songkran is the most traditional holiday in Thailand and South East Asia and Yunnan, China. On the first day of Songkran, locals will rise early to bath their Buddhas to purify the late year and bring luck towards the coming year. During the celebration, locals will gather on the streets with water guns, buckets and hose pipes. A four-day long water fight will take place across the entire Kingdom.

The festival originates from the myth of the Seven Songkran Goddesses, whose father’s head was beheaded by an India God. Believed that if their father’s head fell to the ground, the world be entirely flooded, each goddess takes turn to protect their father each day. Hence, each year, depending on which day Songkran falls on, the festival will have a different name. This year, Songkran falls on a Friday, hence it is called Kimnia Songkran.

The Cultural Traditions of Thailand’s Songkran

Bathing the Buddha: Locals will rise early in the morning to bathe their Buddhas at home using water along with fresh scented flowers. Some will also bath their monks using a silver tray filled with water either at home or at pagodas.

Building Sand Dunes: As a tradition, locals will make miniature sand dunes at the entrances of the pagodas, as a way to build luck and fortune for the coming year.

Putting on White Powder: Locals will mix a special powder made from volcanic rocks to paint their faces and foreheads as a tradition to wish for wealth and luck.

Splashing Perfume: Thailand’s traditional perfume is made from dry medicine and natural ingredients. The scent is suppose to be smelt miles away and help reduce body heat during this hot festival season.

Where the Fun Begins

Bankgok: as the largest city in Thailand, no matter where you are on Songkran, you will not be able to avoid being splashed and soaked with water. For the most epic water fight in the city, join Bangkok’s locals and get soaked!

Pattaya: is known for its night and beachlife. During Songkran, the streets are lined with water cannons. During the second to third day, the city will host a giant bubble bath for its visitors and a color show at its night market.

Chiang Mai: would be the best city to visit for its beast-kept traditions and cultural values during Songkran. Besides the water wars that go on in the city, the city has kept its authenticity with Songkran ceremonies retained from the ancient past.

Autthaya: is a small city which stood as the ancient capital of Siam and hosts some of the most spectacular architecture from the time. On the day of Songkran, trained elephants will parade around the city and paint the city’s views on a giant canvas at the ancient pagodas.

Amphawa: has stayed as a traditional water market-like city. Here, Songkran is especially unique as it takes places on wooden boats. As you pass by each other on the water, get ready to fire your water guns. At night, locals will glide in the water to watch Fireflies and host tours for visitors.

The Thais believe that water is spiritually purifying: it cleanses you of any bad luck or grievances from the past year, and blesses you with fortune and happiness for the year ahead. So to say, Sawadee Bee Mai! (Happy New Year!)