Why do thai people celebrate songkran

But many other Songkran traditions use water as well. People prepare for the new year by cleaning houses, schools, offices, and other public spaces. Many families wake up early during Songkran and visit Buddhist temples, where they bring offerings such as food and listen to monks as they preach. Buddhism is a religion practiced mostly in eastern and central Asia. Visitors sprinkle clean or scented water over statues of Buddha—the person believed to have started Buddhism—to represent purification and good fortune.

Younger people also pour water on the hands of elderly relatives and friends to show their respect and ask for blessings in the coming year. They leave the sand in stupas or mounds on the ground, which are then decorated with colorful flags and flowers. Honoring family traditions and religious practices are important parts of Songkran, but so is having some fun. Alternatively, cool off on the islands and beaches in the south: dive off Ko Tao, climb in Krabi, kayak around Phuket or hang in a hammock wherever you like.

What is Songkran? Water-splashing during the Songkran Festival in Thailand Dreamstime. Why is Songkran so special? Songkran Festival Dreamstime. When and where can I join in? The Songkran Festival parade Dreamstime. Songkran runs between 13 and 15 April, and festivities can be found countrywide. What else should I do in Thailand in April?

The first day of Songkran takes place when the sun moves from Pisces into Aries, which marks the New Year's Day according to the Brahmin solar system. The festival of Songkran falls on the 13 th , 14 th , and 15 th of April every year. Thefirst day is known as Maha Songkran or thegrand Songkran. The Thai government has declared Songkran festival as extended public holidays to enable the people to return to their hometown for family reunions, merit-making and reuniting with others in their community.

The 13 th of April is also declared the Day of the Senior or Elderly by the government. The occasion marks the appreciation for the senior population for their years of contribution to the family and country. The 14 th of April is designated as Family Day to celebrate family love and togetherness. Songkran is regarded as one of the most important traditions in Thailand because it encompasses the three major values in the Thai way of life which are:.