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Mark your calendars for April 13 because it's time to get wet and wild at the Songkran Water Festival! This annual celebration marks the traditional Thai New Year and is known for its playful water fights and cleansing rituals. It is believed that splashing water on others during this time brings good luck and blessings for the new year. The festival also includes cultural activities, street parades, and delicious food. Get ready to join in on the fun and embrace the spirit of renewal and joy that comes with Songkran!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1782</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Rattanakosin Period Begins</div><div class='timeline-text'>Songkran was celebrated as Thai New Year at the start of Rattanakosin Period by Thai people.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1940</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Change of New Year Date</div><div class='timeline-text'>Thailand moved the start of the new year to January 1, however, Songkran remained a national holiday and continued to be celebrated.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1989</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Songkran Festival Expansion</div><div class='timeline-text'>Thai government extended the festival to a week-long celebration to promote tourism.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2014</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Largest Water Gun Fight</div><div class='timeline-text'>A record was set for the largest water gun fight during the Songkran festival with over 3,477 participants.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2018</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Cultural Recognition</div><div class='timeline-text'>UNESCO officially recognized Songkran festival as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Join a water fight</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>The Songkran Water Festival is known for its epic water fights, so grab some water guns or buckets and get ready to join in on the fun!</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a cultural event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Many cities host cultural events during the Songkran Water Festival, such as traditional dances, music performances, and food markets. Take part in these events to learn more about the festival's history and traditions.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Wear traditional clothing</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>To fully immerse yourself in the festival, consider wearing traditional Thai clothing, such as a sarong or a pha khao ma. This will not only make you feel more connected to the culture, but also make for some great photos!</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Cook Thai cuisine</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take a cooking class or follow a recipe to make some delicious Thai dishes at home. This is a great way to celebrate the festival and try new flavors and ingredients.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit a Buddhist temple</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>The Songkran Water Festival is also a time for Buddhist ceremonies and rituals. Visit a local temple to participate in these traditions and pay your respects.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It is a celebration of unity and community</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Songkran Water Festival is a time for people to come together and celebrate as one. It promotes the sense of unity and camaraderie among neighbors, friends, and even strangers. People of all ages and backgrounds participate in this festival, making it an inclusive and joyous celebration.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It brings out the childlike joy in everyone</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Water fights, parades, music, and dancing - Songkran Water Festival has it all! This festival encourages people to let loose and have fun like they did when they were kids. Everyone joins in on the festivities, laughing and splashing each other with water - which is guaranteed to bring out the inner child in anyone!</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It celebrates new beginnings and renewal</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The Songkran Water Festival marks the traditional Thai New Year, symbolizing new beginnings and renewal. It is a time to leave the past behind and welcome the future with open arms. This important aspect of the festival encourages people to reflect on their lives and start fresh, bringing a sense of hope and optimism for the coming year.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Songkran is One of the Biggest Water Fights in the World</h3><p class='facts-content'>Songkran water festival is often referred to as the world’s largest water fight. People of all ages engage in joyous water fights on the streets, symbolizing purification and the washing away of sins and bad luck.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>White Powder is Also Part of the Celebrations</h3><p class='facts-content'>Along with water, many Thais will smear each other with a white powder called 'Din Soros', as an additional symbol of protection and purification during the Songkran festival.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Merits are Earned During Songkran</h3><p class='facts-content'>Giving alms to monks and releasing animals, especially birds or fish, are considered to be auspicious acts during Songkran. These acts are believed to earn merit for individuals.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Sand Pagodas are Built in Temples</h3><p class='facts-content'>As part of the Songkran tradition, people make a visit to temples and build small stupas or pagodas out of sand, decorated with colorful flags. This tradition is believed to replenish the grounds of the temples with sand that has been taken away on the soles of visitors' feet throughout the year.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Songkran Festival Spans Several Days</h3><p class='facts-content'>While April 13 is officially marked as Songkran Day, the festival typically extends all the way until April 15. Each day includes specific rituals and activities, turning it into a multi-day celebration of Thai culture and New Year festivities.</p></div></div>
The Songkran Water Festival is celebrated on April 13 every year. In 2024, the festival will take place on a Saturday.
2023
Apr 13
Thursday
2024
Apr 13
Saturday
2025
Apr 13
Sunday
2026
Apr 13
Monday
2027
Apr 13
Tuesday
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