Songkran Festival in Thailand

byalisterbrede

433 followers

7 years ago

Today is the first day of the Thai New Year (Songkran). There is one thing for certain, you're going to get wet!

Songkran has been the traditional Thai New Year festival since early times.

It is a celebration that, using water as the means of expression, embraces goodwill, love, compassion, and thankfulness.

The word Songkran derives from Sanskrit, meaning “to move or step forward”. The first day of Songkran takes place when the sun moves from Pisces into Aries. This movement marks the New Year’s Day according to the Brahmin solar system.

The festival of Songkran falls on the 13th to the 15th of April every year. The first day is known as Maha Songkran or the grand Songkran. The Thai government has declared the Songkran festival an extended public holiday to enable the people to return to their hometown for family reunions, reuniting with others in their community, and merit-making.

The 13th of April is also declared by the government the Day of the Seniors or the Elderly. The occasion marks the appreciation of the senior population for their years of contributions to the family and to the country.

The 14th of April is designated as Family Day to celebrate family love and togetherness. I doubt I'll be adding much to my WA website over the next few days. I think you can see why.

Happy Songkran everybody, wherever you are!

Alister