This festival is all fun, and games and is held in the hottest month of the year in Thailand. In April locals and visitors splash each other with water and there are all kinds of fun games played nationwide this time of year. Here are some interesting facts about this festival.
A bit of history
The Songkran festival merged with the water festival over time most probably because Thai people believe that water can purify and cleanse your soul of bad luck and sin and bless you for the coming new year with prosperity and fortune. The Songkran festival was held initially to celebrate the phenomenon of the sun travelling to its next stop in the zodiac, signifying the dawn of a new year. Now, these two festivals are celebrated together!
How do you participate
The festivities begin countrywide from the 13th of April each year and end on the 15th. There are usually colourful processions and parades of flowers and flower-laden floats. There are also water fights in the streets of Bangkok! Although the pandemic situation is a concern as water fights may spread disease, you can still pour water over Buddha statues and pray for good luck.
Why are these festivals so special?
It is safe to say that this festival is the most fun out of all of the celebrations in Thailand. People of all ages gather to the streets with water balloons, buckets, water guns or any other vessel they can find filled with water and playfully splash their loved ones with hopes of bringing them joy and luck. It is a true display of unity, love and friendship.
What else to do in April
April in Thailand is very hot and unbearably humid. Some services and places are even shut down as the sun can be unbearable during the daytime. The best thing to do is to cool off during your stay on one of the islands such as Koh Samui. Luxury hotel options the likes of SAii Koh Samui Choengmon are amazing with panoramic sea views and private beach access.
