It is easy to assume that Thailand is best for its beaches and happening nightlife. However, the country – known as ‘Land of Smiles’ is also rich in its cultural heritage. The country of Thailand is known for its rich celebrations and festivals that occur throughout the year. And one of the most significant festivals here has to be the Songkran. In 2025, Songkran will be celebrated from Sunday, 13th April to Tuesday, 15th April. If you too are in Thailand during this time and wish to celebrate the festival, here’s what you should know!
Songkran Festival: Purity, Prosperity, And Unity
What Is The Songkran Festival?
The word ‘Songkran’ has been derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Sankrant’ that translates to ‘enter into something’. The festival is associated with leaving behind the past year and entering the new year. It is also commonly known as Thailand Water Festival as the festivities are strongly tied to water. Songkran is celebrated on the first full moon in April, as the country follows the lunisolar Theravada Buddhism Calendar.
It marks the beginning of the Buddhist New Year in Thailand. People pour water and cleanse Buddha statues and idols. They also sprinkle water over the hands of monks and elders, as well as splash water on each other. Water symbolizes purity and it is believed that it can cleanse one off their sins during Songkran. The people of Thailand engage in a Holi-like playful celebration, but with water instead of colors!
While many places in Thailand celebrate the festival for three days, some places like Chiang Mai celebrate it for a week. Though Songkran symbolizes purity and washing away of bad luck and sins, it also makes for a cool (quite literally) celebration in the hot summer month of April.
Celebration Of Songkran Festival
On the first day of Songkran, people participate in cleansing. This includes pouring scented water over statues of Lord Buddha. This act of pouring water over Lord Buddha statues is symbolic of bidding farewell to the past year and welcoming the new year. This day is called Wan Maha Songkran in Thai, which symbolizes the last day of the old year.
On the second day, children and adults pour water over the hands and feets of elders and monks. This is done as a sign of respect towards them. People also offer garlands and offerings by visiting temples. This day is called Wan Nao, symbolizing a transitional day between the end of the last year and the beginning of the new year.
The third day is known as Wan Thaloeng Sok and this symbolizes the beginning of the new year.
During Songkran, people come together and participate in massive water fights, very similar to Holi celebrations in India. Many cities in Thailand even organize special water fight parties. People spray, sprinkle, and throw water, including ice cold water on each other, celebrating the festival in a grand and fun way. You’ll come across many street parties, pool parties, live music, cultural performances, and water fight festivals organized across Thailand.
Best Places To Celebrate Songkran Festival Thailand
While you’ll find almost every street in the country celebrating the festival, there are some places where you’ll find some of the most happening Songkran celebrations.
Without a doubt, Bangkok is a go-to place for many locals as well as tourists to experience Songkran celebrations in Thailand. Khaosan Road and Silom Road are also popular destinations and are especially popular among LGBTQIA+ tourists for being queer-friendly. Here, you’ll find exciting street parties, live music, and a festive atmosphere that’s unlike any other!
The temples of Wat Pho and Wat Arun are a must visit if you wish to see the spiritual side of Songkran. Besides that, Lumpini Park, Pattaya, Phuket, and Chiang Mai are popular destinations for experiencing Songkran celebrations.
Getting To Thailand From India
Thailand has made it really easy for Indians to visit the country. To begin with, you get direct flights to Bangkok from major Indian cities like Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi and others. These flights usually start at INR 15,000 onwards for a return flight. Plus, Indians have visa-free access to Thailand for 30 days. This period was 60 days previously, but has been reduced to 30 days now.
Summing Up
With Songkran celebrations set to take place from Sunday, 13th April to Tuesday, 15th April, it will be worth noting how the Thailand Water Festival will be celebrated in 2025. Be it Bangkok, Pattaya, Chiang Mai, or any other city or town in Thailand, you’ll surely have a great Songkran experience!
FAQs
How Long Does Songkran Last In Thailand?
Songkran is celebrated for three days in Thailand, with the three days representing the transition from the past year into the new year.
Is Songkran A Hindu Festival?
No, Songkran is not a Hindu festival. However, the name of the festival has its roots in the Indian language of Sanskrit.
Is Songkran Similar To Holi?
Some celebrations of the Songkran are similar to Holi. In both the festivals, people throw water at each other in a playful manner.
