Songkran Splendours!
Summer has come and it’s time to indulge in some water activities. Thailand is celebrating Songkran festival this month. Yay!!
Of all the feasts and festivals in Thailand, I think the Songkran Festival is the most striking. Similar to our own Indian Holi Festival, you can see streets full of drenched people and nobody spares anybody. Believe me, it’s so much fun!! 😀
As far as the history is concerned, this is the longest water throwing event in the world as this is being celebrated for three consecutive days.
The traditional water pouring is meant as a symbol of washing away all of their sins and the bad and is sometimes filled with fragrant herbs when celebrated in the traditional manner. In its essence, Songkran is all about harmony. It’s the bond that brings everyone together like one big family.
They start at home by pouring scented water on a Buddha idol and elders, and then visiting a temple. After that it’s fun on the streets!
Here’s a short video of a Songkran function I attended last year.
Songkran can also be considered as Chinese Ching Ming, and the Christian Festival of Easter.
Songkran is a Sanskrit word in Thai form which means the entry of the sun into any sign of the Zodiac. But the Songkran in this particular instance is when the sun enters the sign of Aries or the Ram. Its full name is Maha Songkran. The festival is not only celebrated in Thailand but also in Burma, Cambodia and the Lao State. It begins on the 13th April and generally ends on the 15th April.
Where in Thailand? Chiang Mai is renowned for one of the grandest Songkran celebrations in Thailand. Visitors can also take part in the opening ceremony for the Songkran Festival with a wonderful parade around Chiang Mai city. They can also, like locals, pour some water, enjoy Lanna-style cultural performances and traditions, and try out various northern foods along the streets.
If you are in Bangkok on the day, don’t forget to visit the backpacking district, Khao San Road. It becomes impassable because of the thousands of people here to join the celebration. 😀
Note:- This post is written under Living the Thai culture series. You can read more posts of the series by clicking the following links. More to come.
Thai Herbal Compress Luk Prakob
Reviving the Dragon Earthen Water Jars
When I painted my own Ceramic
Celebrating Muay Thai
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I have seen photos of people playing water on the road. Why have you not posted them?
Shreya,
Because I haven’t gone there during the festival! These pics are from an event we celebrated in Mumbai itself! 🙂
Hey Shreya, this is something that came to my mind 🙂
Nice post Nisha !
VJ Sharma,
So the same answer from me to you! 🙂
Thank you.
Wonderful! Must be accompanied by a grand feast 🙂
Param,
Absolutely! We had a wonderful lunch after that, ending with ever popular Mango Sticky rice. 😀
Splendid photos! Yes, Songkran is from Sankranti. Best wishes from my side so that you are able to attend this festival next year in Thailand 🙂
It seems an outstanding Festival. Thanks for sharing about it because I am listening first time about this festival.
Arvi,
Thank you very much for your wishes. Amen!!
Fatima,
Oh, you must go there during the festival. I am definitely going there next year.