NO COUNTRY CELEBRATES ITS NEW YEAR LIKE THAILAND DOES – LAUGHS, HAPPINESS, COMMUNITY SPIRIT AND A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE F OR VISITORS
By: Angela Scott
Often known abroad as the ‘Thai Water Festival’, Songkran is a time of joy and carefree celebration marked by splashes of water, gleeful faces, colourful attire and lively parades. Although this Lunar New Year is celebrated throughout Southeast Asia, international travellers tend to flock to Thailand for unrivalled, water-filled festivities as Songkran is one of the country’s most important holidays.
SONGKRAN THROUGH THE CENTURIES
Although no one knows when people first started celebrating Songkran, it is believed to stem from Hinduism and the ancient Indian festival known as Makara Sankranti, which celebrates the astrological passage of the sun as it moves into a new zodiac. History also shows that local people visited Buddhist temples, known as Wats, to receive blessings and prayers from the residing monks. During their visit, they gave food and gifts to the monks as well as showing respect by pouring fragrant water over them or Buddha statues, in a cleansing ritual. This water was then collected, taken back to the village, and used to bless elders and respected people of the community.
THAI TRADITIONS
Over the years, Songkran became a holiday when families took time off work and came together to spend time with each other. People are sure to pay respect to their elders, make merit at their local temples, and clean their homes. Water is an essential aspect of Songkran because it is spiritually purifying. It symbolically washes away old sins and grievances, allowing the New Year to begin with happiness and prosperity. Family members, particularly the younger generations, drizzle jasmine-scented water over the hands and shoulders of village elders and older family members using small intricately carved silver bowls. You’ll also notice Thais smearing an off-white paste or chalk-like substance on their faces. This natural powder, known as din sor pong, is combined with a little water and then painted on faces to ward off evil spirits and protect the wearer.
CONTEMPORARY CELEBRATIONS
As with many religious or cultural holidays, the spiritual side of the celebrations have gradually shifted to those of merriment. Songkran is no exception and there has been a notable change in how people celebrate the holiday even within the last decade. Although locals continue to make merit at temples and tidy up their houses as part of their New Year’s traditions, Songkran has gone mainstream and includes people of all different nationalities in the festivities. It has been transformed into a fun, friendly and chaotic celebration featuring high-powered water guns, icy buckets of water and hoses spraying more water in every direction.
WHEN AND WHERE TO CELEBRATE
SONGKRAN IN PHUKET
Songkran is a three-day festival from Sunday, 13th April to Tuesday,15th April this year. However, the celebrations start building up a day or two early and extend a few days longer. For the most atmospheric places to experience Songkran in Phuket try:
BANGLA ROAD, PATONG – Located in Patong’s bustling district, Bangla Road transforms into a water-soaked wonderland during Songkran.
OLD PHUKET TOWN – For a more traditional Songkran experience, head to Old Phuket Town. Adorned with beautifully ornate colonial buildings, this historic neighbourhood radiates charm and cultural significance.
PATONG BEACH – World-famous Patong Beach may be known for its lively nightlife, but during Songkran, it transforms into a thrilling water playground. Crowds gather by the water’s edge armed with water guns, eagerly awaiting the perfect opportunity to douse passersby.
KARON AND KAMALA BEACHES – For a more laid-back Songkran experience, make your way to Karon Beach (in the south west) or Kamala Beach (in the centre of the west coast). Both beaches boast pristine white sands and tranquil family ambiences as a serene setting to celebrate amidst nature’s beauty.
“SPRAY AND RECEIVE IN EQUAL QUANTITIES, AND WITH A SMILE ON YOUR FACE”
DOS AND DON’TS FOR CELEBRATING SONGKRAN
- DO PROTECT your electronics by investing in waterproof cases or bags – if you go out, you will get wet!
- DO USE public transportation or book accommodations within walking distance of main events
- DO RESPECT elders by gently sprinkling water on them rather than spraying them
- DON’T WEAR over-revealing clothing or walk around shirtless or in bikinis
- DON’T FORGET to wear sunblock, sunglasses and drink plenty of bottled water
- DON’T SPRAY water purposefully in people’s mouths, eyes or ears