Songkran in Thailand ― Date, History, and Details
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Let's dive deeper into learning more about the history of Songkran in Thailand and why people celebrate or observe it.
History of Songkran in Thailand and How to Celebrate/ Observe It
Songkran is the Thai New Year’s festival. It usually falls in April, and celebrates the traditional Thai solar calendar. Songkran is a time for families to get together, and for people to cleanse themselves in preparation for the new year.
The most distinctive feature of Songkran is the use of water. People splash water on each other as a way of cleansing and purifying themselves. This often takes place in the streets, and can be quite rowdy. In recent years, there has been an increasing focus on safety, and many Songkran celebrations now take place in designated areas with security guards and first-aiders on hand.
Despite the water-centric nature of the festival, Songkran is also a time for giving thanks to elders and paying respects to Buddha images. Families will often visit temples together, and make merit by giving food to monks.
In short, Songkran is a fun and festive time, where people come together to celebrate the start of a new year.