Songkran, Thailand’s famous New Year festival, is a celebration steeped in centuries-old traditions and profound religious importance. Held annually from April 13 to 15, although with extended celebrations in some areas like Chonburi, it marks the beginning of the traditional Thai lunar calendar and coincides with the hottest time of the year, ushering in a season of renewal and cleansing.
While Songkran is widely recognized today for its famous and wild water fights and street parties, its roots lie in a blend of Buddhist spirituality, family reverence, and ancient customs that continue to shape its observance. Many believers in the traditional Songkran festival dislike what it has become in recent years and urge the public to learn more about the religious and traditional sides of the festival. So, today, we take a look at both.
At its core, Songkran is a Buddhist festival, reflecting Thailand’s predominant religion, Theravada Buddhism, which influences much of the country’s culture and daily life. The term “Songkran” derives from the Sanskrit word sankranti, meaning “astrological passage” or “transformation,” referring to the sun’s transition into Aries, signaling the New Year. For Thai Buddhists, this period is an opportunity to accumulate merit—good karma earned through virtuous deeds—a cornerstone of Buddhist practice.
One of the biggest religious rituals during Songkran is the bathing of Buddha images. Families and communities gather at temples to gently pour water over statues of the Buddha, symbolizing purification and the washing away of sins and misfortunes from the past year. This act is often accompanied by offerings of flowers, incense, and candles, as well as prayers led by monks. The water used in these rituals is frequently infused with jasmine or other fragrant elements, enhancing the symbolic cleansing.
Monks also play a central role in Songkran observances. On the morning of April 13 many Thais visit temples to offer food and alms to monks, a merit-making tradition believed to bring blessings for the year ahead. Chanting and sermons delivered by monks reinforce the spiritual focus of the festival, reminding participants of the Buddhist values of compassion, mindfulness, and gratitude.
Beyond its religious elements, Songkran is deeply tied to Thai traditions of family respect and social harmony. A hallmark of the festival is the ritual of pouring water on the hands of elders as a gesture of reverence and gratitude. Younger family members kneel before their parents, grandparents, or other respected figures, offering scented water, which is poured over outstretched palms. In return, elders bestow blessings, often wishing for happiness, health, and prosperity in the coming year.
Another traditional aspect of Songkran is the preparation of special foods, such as khao chae, a dish of rice soaked in jasmine-scented water. Sharing meals with family and neighbors strengthens communal ties, a value deeply embedded in Thai rural life, where Songkran originated.
In some regions, particularly in northern Thailand and also in Chonburi, especially Bangsaen, the festival includes the construction of sand pagodas at temples and beaches. Participants bring sand to temple grounds, shaping it into small stupas adorned with flags and flowers. This custom is both a merit-making act and a symbolic repayment to the earth, as it replaces the sand carried away on devotees’ feet throughout the year.
Water, now synonymous with Songkran’s playful street festivities, has its origins in these religious and traditional practices. Historically, the pouring of water was a solemn act of blessing and renewal, tied to the idea of washing away the old to welcome the new. Over time, this evolved into a broader celebration, with water symbolizing purification, cooling relief from the heat, and a communal expression of joy. While modern Songkran features water guns and buckets in urban areas like Bangkok, Pattaya, and Chiang Mai, the underlying symbolism remains rooted in its sacred beginnings.
Songkran’s traditions vary across Thailand, reflecting the country’s regional diversity. In the north, particularly Chiang Mai, the festival stretches over several days, with processions carrying revered Buddha images through the streets for public bathing. In central Thailand, the focus might lean more toward family rituals, while in the south, where Muslim and Chinese influences are stronger, celebrations may be more subdued or blended with local customs. Despite these differences, the themes of renewal, respect, and spirituality unite Songkran nationwide.
Today, Songkran balances its ancient roots with contemporary flair, drawing millions of tourists who join locals in the festivities. Yet, beneath the water-soaked revelry lies a rich tapestry of religious devotion and cultural heritage.
Happy Songkran from The Pattaya News!
