In Thailand, where Buddhism is the state religion, people celebrate the new year according to the Buddhist calendar. The Songkran water festival, which takes place from April 13 to 15 every year, is one of the most unique cultural events that attracts tourists from all over the world.
The vibrant Water Festival is held annually in Thailand.
Origin and spiritual meaning
"Songkran" comes from Sanskrit, meaning "transition", symbolizing the time when the sun moves from Pisces to Aries.
Songkran Festival is not just about splashing water but also has many profound cultural meanings. Thai people believe that water is a source of wealth, luck and purification. Splashing water on each other symbolizes washing away the bad luck of the old year, praying for a new year of peace and prosperity.
During this festival, people splash water on each other and the elderly to show respect and wish each other good things.
Before Songkran, people spend two days cleaning their homes, preparing food and clothes. The festival officially begins with the bathing of Buddha statues at temples, showing respect and praying for peace.
People also go to the temple to attend the Buddha bathing ceremony, bring fruits and vegetarian dishes to offer to monks, release animals...
In addition to water splashing, Songkran festival also has many other activities such as parades, beauty contests, art performances... Visitors also have the opportunity to enjoy traditional Thai dishes and immerse themselves in the unique cultural atmosphere of this country.
Festival colors are brilliant all over the streets
Traveling to Thailand at this time, tourists will be able to join the water festival to pray for good luck. People use buckets, water guns, water balloons... to splash water on each other, creating a joyful and bustling atmosphere throughout the streets.
Many other activities also take place during the festival.
Songkran ends on Wan Parg-bpee, a day for paying respect to elders and ancestors. People sprinkle holy water on each other to express gratitude and wish each other good things in the new year.
Songkran Festival is a typical cultural feature of Thailand, attracting tourists by its excitement, bustle and good meaning. Thai water festival is often more communal in nature than internal reunion like traditional New Year holidays of Vietnam, China... Therefore, Songkran water festival is also an ideal holiday of Thailand tourism for tourists to witness and experience the typical culture of the "golden temple" country when immersing themselves in the festival.
This is an opportunity to stimulate tourism in Thailand.
Songkran Festival is celebrated all over Thailand, each region has its own characteristics. Tourists can join the festival in Chiang Mai to experience the traditional atmosphere with solemn religious rituals, or go to Bangkok to "burn out" with vibrant and bustling street parties. Phuket and Koh Samui are also ideal destinations for tourists to enjoy the water festival with attractive entertainment activities.
To have a complete and safe Songkran experience, visitors should note the following:
Prepare suitable clothes:Wear thin, light, easy-to-dry clothing and bring clean clothes to change into.
Take care of your belongings:Use a waterproof bag to protect your phone, camera and other important items.
Respect local culture:Do not splash water on monks, nuns, the elderly, children and those who do not want to participate.
Safe drinking water:It is advisable to buy bottled water to avoid digestive problems.
