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Songkran Water Festival

Get ready to splash into the Thai New Year with Songkran Water Festival - a fun-filled celebration of water, music, and culture!

Tuesday

April 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEApril 13

OBSERVED INThailand

CATEGORYCulture

SUBCATEGORYAsian Heritage

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

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!

TIMELINE

Songkran Water Festival Timeline

Rattanakosin Period Begins

Songkran was celebrated as Thai New Year at the start of Rattanakosin Period by Thai people.

Change of New Year Date

Thailand moved the start of the new year to January 1, however, Songkran remained a national holiday and continued to be celebrated.

Songkran Festival Expansion

Thai government extended the festival to a week-long celebration to promote tourism.

Largest Water Gun Fight

A record was set for the largest water gun fight during the Songkran festival with over 3,477 participants.

Cultural Recognition

UNESCO officially recognized Songkran festival as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Songkran Water Festival

Join a water fight

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!

ATTEND

Attend a cultural event

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.

WEAR

Wear traditional clothing

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!

COOK

Cook Thai cuisine

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.

VISIT

Visit a Buddhist temple

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.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love Songkran Water Festival

It celebrates new beginnings and renewal

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.

It is a celebration of unity and community

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.

It brings out the childlike joy in everyone

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!

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