Songkran – Thai New Year in Phuket

Songkran is an important national holiday in Thailand, it is celebrated from April 13 to April 15. It marks the beginning of the traditional Thai New Year and is one of the most significant cultural events in Thailand. The festival is also celebrated in some other Southeast Asian countries such as Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia.

The origins of the Songkran festival can be traced back to ancient times when the people of Southeast Asia followed the lunar calendar. It was a time to make offerings to the gods and ancestors and to pay respects to the elderly. It is said that the festival was originally a purification ceremony, where people would use water to wash away bad luck and misfortunes.

Over time, the festival evolved into a more elaborate celebration. People would visit temples, make merit, and participate in cultural activities such as dances and processions. During Songkran, people also splashed water on each other as a symbol of cleansing, and to bring good luck and prosperity in the coming year.

The tradition of splashing water on each other during Songkran has become one of its most recognisable features. It is also the obvious reason why the festival is often referred to as the water festival. The practice of splashing water, however, has its roots in the Buddhist tradition of pouring water on Buddha images to show respect and seek forgiveness.

In recent years, the Songkran festival has become more of a mass celebration, with huge water fights taking place on the streets. Tourists from all over the world flock to Thailand to join in the festivities, which often last for several days. A fun and truly spectacular happening; they use water guns, hoses, and more to soak each other in the streets.

Despite the commercialisation of the festival, the essence of the Songkran celebration remains the same. It is a time to pay respect to traditions, to celebrate the arrival of the new year, and to wish for good luck and happiness for everyone. An event not to miss when you are in Phuket!