Many of you will be wondering what is Songkran Festival, won’t you? Let’s us tell you about Thailand’s most famous festival; Songkran!
Songkran is an annual festival which takes place over three days during the traditional Thai New Year, April 13th-15th (in all provinces). The festival is taken over by a mass celebration as the whole country shuts down for a momentous water fight, you will get wet but surely you will love it as during Songkran Festival is the hottest days of the year in Thailand.
What is Songkran?
Songkran is the occasion for family re-unions, temple visits and annual house cleaning. Many Thais observe the holidays by spending time with families and friends. Traditionally, Thais perform the Rod Nam Dum Hua ritual on the first day of Songkran, which is officially the National Elderly Day. During the ritual, young people would pour fragrant water into the elders’ palms as a gesture of humility and to ask for their blessings. The second day of Songkran is officially the National Family Day. Families would wake up early and give alms to the monks, then ideally the rest of the day would be spent sharing quality family time together. An important religious ritual on Songkran is ‘Bathing the Buddha image’, in which devout Buddhists pour fragrant water over Buddha statues both at the temple and at home. More religious Thais would engage themselves in Buddhist ceremonies and merit-making activities throughout the holidays.
Water as Symbolism
Contradictory to what you may have witnessed throughout Songkran, fun-loving Thais don’t just throw water at each other for no good reason (besides having a kick out of seeing other people soaking wet). The real meaning behind the splashes is to symbolically wash off all misfortunes in the past year, thus welcoming the new year with a fresh new start. Traditionally, Thais would politely pour a bowl of water on members of the family, their close friends and neighbours. As Songkran has taken a more festive note, a bowl becomes a bucket, garden hose and water guns, and the spirit of holiday merriment is shared amongst all town residents and tourists alike.
Places to attend Water Festival Near Zensation The Residence,Bangok
- Silom Road: Located at just 1.9 kilometres this is an ideal location if you wish to enjoy the Water Festival in its full splendour.
- Siam Paragon: Located at just 5.4 kilometres from our property, this shopping space gets ready for the Water Festival with an amazing amount of energy which will keep you there.
- Sanam Luang: Located approximately 8 kilometres from the property, Sanam Luang is one of the most visited tourist spots during Songkran