Thailand, April 2, 2024: If you ask a Thai what the happiest and most eagerly awaited festival in their country is, they are most likely to say that it’s the Songkran. Celebrated between 13 to 15 of April every year, it ushers the traditional Thai New Year with grace and exuberance. The cultural significance of Songkran is such that it was recently awarded the prestigious status of an “Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity” by UNESCO.
The grand festival, much like Holi, brings communities together and attracts many Indian travellers due to its familiar charm. However, in this case, water is used for celebration instead of colours. The act of splashing water holds deep symbolic meaning, representing physical cleansing and spiritual renewal. This also forms a major highlight for travellers from around the world who visit Thailand to experience “the greatest water fighting event on the planet!”
Traditionally, it is a time for Thai people to express their gratitude and spiritual devotion for the new year. Families are seen making offerings of food and floral garlands at the temples and praying for the longevity of their elders. The celebration also includes community events, colourful parades, and larger-than-life cultural performances held across the kingdom.
Where to witness
Tourists can generally partake in water fights and fairs in almost every major town and city in Thailand. But the grandest celebration of Songkran this year will be held in Bangkok from 11 to 15 April – The “Maha Songkran World Water Festival” will demonstrate Thailand’s rich culture and tradition through spectacular parades and performances, including Khon masked drama and Nora dance drama, which have been recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage performing arts. A major highlight of this event will be the ‘Maha Songkran Parade’ with 20 grand processions and more than 1,000 performers, which will depart from Phan Fa Lilat Bridge and make its final stop at Sanam Luang.
Following the Maha Songkran Parade are distinctive Songkran traditions of 16 provinces, including Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, Chon Buri, Samut Prakan, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Chiang Rai, Nong Khai, Phitsanulok, Songkhla, Buri Ram, Ayutthaya, Nakhon Phanom, Lampang, Loei, Sukhothai and Phuket. The remaining processions will feature attractions on Thailand’s Fashion, Games, Films and Series, and Festivals.
In the Water Zone, travellers can find a host of exhilarating splash activities, including a musical dancing fountain, water tunnel, gigantic wading pool, and water station. Visitors will also have a chance to buy local products and souvenirs from vendors converging from different parts of the kingdom at the festival fair while beholding a drone show. The entire event is poised to be broadcast globally, allowing people all around the world to witness the magic of Songkran – A vibrant part of Thailand’s rich culture.
