The annual grand celebration 2024 is just around the corner, the happiest festival of the year for Thais and one of the reasons why tourists from all over the world flock to Bangkok in April.
The Songkran Festival in Thailand is a New Year's festival for locals to join in the grand event, and it is also the reason why tourists from all over the world come to Thailand every April.
What is the date of Songkran Thailand 2024?
The time of the Songkran Festival varies every year due to the solar terms, usually from 4/13 to 4/15, and this year the Thai government announced the extension of the date of the 2024 Songkran Festival, which can be played all the way from 4/12 to 4/16, a total of 5 days.
Where is the Songkran first-class war zone in Thailand?
Thailand's Songkran first-class war zone, Bangkok is concentrated in Khao San Road, Silom Road, Siam Square, Royal Tian Square, Chiang Mai is in the ancient city wall moat, the central celebration department store, and Ayutthaya is around the ancient city of Ayuttaya, Mong Kong Bobi Temple, Ayutthaya.
What do you need to prepare for Songkran in Thailand?
To participate in Songkran, please wear lightweight, easy-to-dry clothing, choose waterproof sunscreen, and remember to bring a waterproof bag to avoid getting your phone and wallet wet (preferably with straps).
What is the origin of Songkran in Thailand?
Songkran in Thailand, also known as the Songkran Festival, is an important part of the traditional Thai New Year. Legend has it that in a distant time, when the people lived in abundance and tranquility, a demon king suddenly appeared who turned the land into a drought. In order to solve the dilemma that the farmers could not plant, the seven daughters of the king of Dai took advantage of the demon king's sleep to cut off his head. But the demon king's head suddenly caught fire, and it burned everywhere while rolling, and the 7 princesses found water to extinguish the fire before their lives returned to peace. In order to commemorate and thank the seven princesses, the people have passed down the water splashing as a custom to this day.
Another theory is that there are seven "Songkran goddesses" in legend, and the goddess's father was beheaded for offending the Hindu god, and the goddesses had to take turns to take care of their father's head, because the father's head would cause a drought when it fell to the ground. The goddesses wash their bodies with water when they take turns heads, which is the origin of Songkran, and of course there are many different versions of the legend.
What is the significance of Songkran in Thailand?
Water is a symbol of purity and blessing in Buddhism, and Songkran falls on the spring equinox, so locals will start the new year by splashing water to pray for peace, which also means washing away all the bad things of the previous year.
What are the customs and activities of Songkran in Thailand?
1. Bathing in the Buddha
During the Songkran Festival, the "Buddha bathing" ceremony is performed, which is divided into "Buddha bathing" and "bathing monks". Before bathing the Buddha statue, burn incense and worship the Buddha, and then wash the Buddha statue with pure water. The bathing monks are similar to the ritual of offering water, using a silver basin to hold the purified water and lightly sprinkle it on the monk's hands or body, and then offering Buddhist clothes to the monks to show respect and hope to be blessed.
2. Water Donation Ceremony
On April 14, the Thai Family Day will be held to offer water, and the younger generations will put purified water in a basin and sprinkle it lightly on the hands of the elders, praying for good health and longevity.
3. Sand Tower
During Songkran, Thai people will go to the temple to build a sand pagoda, pile the sand into the shape of a pagoda, and then insert flags, incense and flowers on the sand pagoda to pray for blessings.
Where to play Songkran in Thailand?
In fact, as soon as you go to the lively area, such as Bangkok Khao San Road, Chiang Mai Old Town, Pattaya Beach Street, etc., there will be people along the road with water guns and buckets, as long as you are ready, you can start at any time. If you prefer something a little milder, you can head to the suburbs of the city, where you can spray water with elephants and join the parade in traditional costumes.
What are the taboos of Songkran in Thailand?
1. Avoid wearing too revealing clothing.
2. Because water is a symbol of purity, only clean water is used for Songkran.
3. To avoid injury, prohibit high-pressure water cannons.
4. Do not splash water on monks, older elders or young children.
5. Don't be angry, be sure to play with a smile.