Songkran | A Summer Festival of Renewal and Cleansing
Many foreign nationals, tourists, and digital nomads visit different countries in Asia, not just for a relaxing vacation, but also to immerse themselves in their culture and festivities.
In Cebu City in the Philippines, for example, tourists come to see people take to the streets to celebrate the Sinulog festival—a celebration of the Child Jesus. The event features a float parade and street parties where people dance and throw face paint at each other.
Meanwhile, in India, one of the major Hindu festivals is celebrated every last full moon of the lunar month of Phalguna or the month of March, called Holi—the celebration of colors, love, and the season of spring. People dance, sing, and throw colorful powders in the air or at each other.
What does Thailand have to offer when it comes to festivities?
There’s one major festival in Thailand, where people gather around for water fights, hold pageants, and release animals. Songkran, or Thailand’s New Year Festival, is a centuries-old celebration held every summer. During the Songkran festival, people pay their respects to their elders, bathe the image of Buddha in water, and engage in joyous water-related activities.
What’s so special about the Songkran festival, and why do people all over the world travel to Thailand to join the celebration?
The Famous Water Festival
There are many things to do in Thailand, but what most people look forward to is the water fight during Songkran. People gather in different cities, like Chiang Mai or Bangkok, storming the streets with their water guns, dippers, buckets, and water balloons.
But surely, there’s more to the festivity than just water fights, right?
Traditional Splash: A Symbol of Cleansing, Good Fortune, and Reverence
While the street water fights are famous, it is deeply rooted in tradition.
Inscribed in 2023 on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, Thailand’s Songkran festival commemorates the sun transitioning into the first sign of the Zodiac, the Aries constellation, which signals the traditional start of the year.
Traditionally, water is not thrown; instead, it is gently sprinkled and showered respectfully with scented water over the images of Buddha, such as in the Song Nam Phra ceremony.
The purpose of such is to cleanse themselves of the previous year’s bad luck—a “wash away” for their karma to be renewed.
Showing reverence is one of the most important things to do during the celebration. Thai locals show respect to their elders by performing the Rod Nam Dam Hua ritual, also known as anointing their elders with scented water over their hands and feet. Typically performed on the last day of Songkran, Thai families perform the rites on any day during the festival.
Cross-Cultural Splash: The Joyful Bonding
The Songkran festival, at its core, is a joyous celebration where people reconnect with friends and family, as well as renew themselves; hence, the showering of water on other celebrants. The water fight is a more modern, fun approach for both local and international participants. The city streets are barricaded for people to enter the “arena” and engage in light-hearted water battles.
Celebrating Songkran together with a romantic partner should be on your bucket list while in Thailand. If you want to win a local’s heart, deepen your connection by immersing yourself in the country’s culture, such as participating in the ritual of the Rot Nam Dam Hua. By performing the ritual with your lover’s family, not only are you showing respect, but you are also showing dedication to loving your partner’s family. As you may know, Thais are very family-centric.
If you were to celebrate with your partner or friends at the water fight festival, do remember that Thailand highly values modesty and respect. Throwing water at your lover is a welcoming form of public affection. However, avoid overly intimate public displays of affection, as they are deemed obscene by the locals.
Whenever possible, avoid wearing white shirts or revealing clothing during the festival. Floral-patterned attire is highly encouraged and commonly seen.
Traditional Things to do in Thailand During Songkran
Songkran is not limited to water-filled activities. Remember, the purpose of Songkran is the renewal of karma, good luck, and getting rid of any previous ill wishes and misfortunes. This celebration is to become a newer version of yourself.
There are many meaningful non-water traditions locals do to celebrate the traditional new year, such as:
Merit-Making (Tambun)
Like the Rod Nam Dum Hua performed at home, it is highly recommended to perform such rites by visiting the nine sacred Buddhist temples. You can offer alms by giving food and new robes to the monks, as well as gently showering Buddha’s statue.
Another merit-making custom that locals do in temples is building sand stupas (pagodas) and decorating them with colorful flags and flowers. Although not all temples have it, it is common around key temples located in the Rattanakosin area.
Spring Cleaning
Before the festival begins, every Thai family does a thorough spring cleaning, also known as Baan Thak. While having a clean and tidy home is certainly beneficial, there is a deeper significance to this practice. Sweeping away dust and dirt symbolically represents the act of removing bad luck and lingering negative karma, serving as a way to welcome the new year with a fresh start.
Cooking Traditional Food
No festival is complete without delicious traditional food. Since Songkran is celebrated in the summer, Thai locals enjoy a nice seasonal dish called Khao Chae, which literally means “rice soaked in water.”
According to the Michelin guide, Songkran is one of the most auspicious occasions of the traditional New Year, and the exquisite khao chae serves both a celebration and a reflection of familial love. It is a rice dish soaked in jasmine water, served with a variety of side dishes, including shrimp paste balls, stir-fried preserved radish, sweet-fried fish, stuffed shallots, and stuffed sweet peppers.
Celebrating Songkran: Embracing the Spirit of Renewal
Undoubtedly, the Songkran festival offers a festive experience, both deep in tradition and unparalleled fun. However, safety should be your priority; a large crowd will be there during the festivities, so it’s best to stay safe and avoid being rowdy.
Keep your gadgets, wallets, and any precious materials dry—it’s always recommended to store them inside a waterproof bag.
Learn proper etiquette for the event, such as paying your respects to the Buddhist monks by not splashing them with water in the temples or streets.
If you want to celebrate the festival, always remember to keep in mind that this is a celebration of renewal. The water fights will be fun, but at the same time, show your gratitude by paying respect to the locals and their traditions. And remember, Songkran is a summer celebration, so remind your friends or lover to stay hydrated by splashing them with water!
Frequently Asked Questions
What date is the Songkran festival celebrated?
Thailand's Songkran festival is celebrated from April 13 to 15, but may be extended to a week in cities like Chiang Mai.
What is the meaning behind the water fights?
The water fights symbolize renewal, the washing away of bad luck, misfortunes, and negative karma.
What traditional activities are part of the Songkran festival?
Traditional activities during the Songkran festival include merit-making at temples (Tambun), bathing Buddha images, building sand pagodas, offering to monks, and performing the Rod Nam Dam Hua ritual.
Where are the main Songkran celebrations held?
Songkran is celebrated throughout the country, but major water fights held in "arenas" take place in cities like Chiang Mai and Bangkok.
Is it safe for tourists to join the Songkran water battles?
Aside from protecting gadgets from water, it is generally safe for tourists to join the Songkran water battles. But as a participant, one should remember to practice proper etiquette and maintain respect.
External References:
“Songkran in Thailand, traditional Thai New Year festival.” n.d. UNESCO - Intangible Cultural Heritage. http://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/songkran-in-thailand-traditional-thai-new-year-festival-01719.
“What Is Khao Chae, an Iconic Thai Summer Dish, and Where to Find It During Songkran.” 2025. MICHELIN Guide. https://guide.michelin.com/th/en/article/features/what-is-khao-chae-songkran.