Thailand is defined by full moon parties for adventurous visitors. But there is yet another opportunity to experience the magic of Thailand. The traditional New Year period of the country called Songkran is when people celebrate the festival with as much gusto as we celebrate Holi. It is also one of the best times to be in Thailand.
The festival officially starts today and goes on till Wednesday i.e. April 15. Songkran’s unofficial name is Water Festival and began as a way for Thai people to sprinkle water on their family members to cleanse them of evil while also paying respect to elders.
The unofficial capital of Songkran in Thailand is Chiang Mai where the most recognised Water Festival happens every year. Travel to the country around this time is pretty high so always make plans in advance when visiting during Songkran. People take blessings from monks, put water on the hands and feet of Buddha and seek blessings for the year ahead. In Bangkok, the tourist-heavy Khao San Road and Silom see some of the biggest Songkran festivities while the malls are all decked up to welcome eager shoppers.
Songkran is also relevant to Indians as it coincides with our Baisakhi and other regional New Year festivals. In fact, the word Songkran is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘sankranti’. What better reason to enjoy Songkran than celebrate one of your own festivals!
I had a chance to take part in the full moon party at Koh Phangan during my visit to Thailand last year. However, the mixed reviews led me to put it off for another visit. I read up about Songkran around the same time and have been hoping to witness this festival on my future visit to Thailand.
Until then, these pictures of Songkran should help to fuel my future wanderlust. Special thanks to the Tourism Authority of Thailand for these images.
Here are a few tips to enjoy Songkran in Thailand:
1) Drunken revelry is a part of Songkran but try to respect the intention behind the festival and think twice before picking up that drink especially if you’re going to a temple.
2) Be safe. Songkran is one of the most dangerous times to be travelling around Thailand. Make sure you have your accommodation sorted well in advance and are not travelling during Songkran days.
3) Prepare to be sprayed with water any time and from any where. Take it in the right spirit but if someone crosses the line, be firm and take appropriate action.
Finally, learn how to make friends in Thailand with these couple of phrases. Sah-wah-dee-pee-mai is the traditional way to greet people while celebrating Songkran and translates to Happy New Year. You can also greet people with Suk-san-wan-Songkran that translates to Happy Songkran Day.
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