Songkran kicked off in Thailand yesterday bringing raucous water fights to the streets of Bangkok and past.
The three-day pageant marks the beginning of the standard Thai New Yr and is a significant draw for vacationers.
Celebrations have been muted for the previous three years because of pandemic-related restrictions, however 2023 sees its full-scale return.
Right here’s every little thing it's essential learn about Songkran, together with its origins and the place to rejoice.
Why is Thai New Yr celebrated in April?
Songkran, or Thai New Yr, is Thailand’s greatest and most essential annual pageant.
It's historically celebrated for 3 days ranging from the primary full moon in April. It's because the nation runs on the lunisolar Theravada Buddhist calendar.
The title Songkran comes from an historic Sanskrit phrase which means to ‘enter’ or ‘move into’ and refers back to the motion of the zodiac.
Today, the pageant has a set begin date of 13 April.
Why are there water fights throughout Songkran?
The water fights which have grow to be synonymous with Songkran are an escalation of custom.
The primary day of the pageant is historically marked with spring cleansing and a water pouring ceremony. Throughout this, scented water is poured onto sacred Buddha photos in temples. This symbolically represents purification - or the washing away of the earlier 12 months to welcome the New Yr.
On the second day, younger individuals pay respect to their elders by pouring scented water over their arms and ft in return for blessings and floral garlands, and choices are made to monks and temples.
The pageant additionally marks the beginning of the wet season - and one of many hottest occasions of the 12 months.
Outdoors of the temples, these components have metamorphosed into big water fights involving tremendous soakers, buckets of ice water, loud music and road events.
Revellers additionally ‘bless’ each other by placing ‘din sor pong’, a limestone-derived cooling talcum powder paste, on one another’s faces. This has been banned in recent times as some individuals smear it in different’s eyes and mouths, or sometimes even use it as an excuse for inappropriate touching, however it’s nonetheless an everyday characteristic of the pageant and is mostly used respectfully.
The place’s the most effective place to rejoice Songkran?
If you happen to’re prepared and keen to get soaked for 3 days straight, Bangkok is the place to be for Songkran.
Khaosan Street, the epicentre of the backpacker universe, is assured to have thumping events and crowded water fights. Siam, in central Bangkok, can also be primed for Songkran, with varied pop-up levels showcasing conventional dancing and dwell music.
Silom Street is one other hub, with LGBTQ-friendly events alongside Soi 4 and a significant annual pool get together at W Bangkok lodge. Contemporary-faced revellers head to RCA, the guts of the town’s clubbing scene.
If you wish to degree up, S2O music pageant is again this 12 months after a three-year hiatus, bringing water cannons, laser beams and world-class DJs.
To see the extra conventional aspect of the pageant, head to riverside temples akin to Wat Pho and Wat Arun, catch cultural performances in Lumphini Park, or head north to the town of Chiang Mai.
Need solar, sea and sand whereas getting soaked? The infamous beachside city of Pattaya extends its Songkran celebrations for a full week. Different standard seaside locations like Phuket, Krabi and Koh Phangan additionally be a part of within the celebrations.
High suggestions for celebrating Songkran
If you happen to’re in Thailand throughout Songkran, be ready to get moist.
Road distributors promote waterproof pouches within the lead as much as the occasion, which are perfect for holding your telephone protected and dry. You’ll additionally see goggles on the market - and also you’ll perceive why if you get squirted within the eyes.
Keep away from getting the water in your mouth because it’s prone to make you sick - however don’t overlook to remain hydrated with bottles of filtered water.
Be a part of within the celebrations however be respectful: don’t splash monks, aged individuals or infants. And hold your water fights to designated areas.
Songkran is a notoriously harmful time on Thailand’s roads because of drunk driving and water splashing. It’s finest to keep away from travelling in the course of the pageant. Use public transport whereas within the metropolis.
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