Songkran, which is known as the world’s largest water festival, which is traditionally celebrated as the Thai New Year is a festival of cultural significance and celebration in equal parts.
Celebrated across a three-day national holiday annually from April 13-15, the festival which is deeply rooted in Buddhist traditions doubles most popularly as a nationwide party of water fights, music and community.
Thai-native, currently London-based Prim explains the cultural significance and history behind the water fights, saying, “It’s technically our new year and the water fights sort of mutated from a much calmer tradition where we very gently pour perfumed water on our elders hands to signify respect and asking for forgiveness. But these days it is more of a big nationwide water splashing party, which is also fun.”
Jo O’Connell, who runs Jo and Jo Travel, a travel company specialising in Asia travel with her husband adds further context on the wild, party vibes that surrounds the festival, saying, “My then boyfriend (now husband – also called Jo) travelled throughout Thailand during Songkhran many years ago. We had a fantastic time having water fights and covering locals (and being covered) in colourful face paint powder. My highlight was dancing on the bar counter and we were having great fun kicking water into the faces of punters. As women, it was our turn to have the power! We also loved spraying unsuspecting tourists with water pistols. It’s a great party that lasts for days where all the country’s adults act like children and misbehaves – but everyone is in on the fun.”
Another tourist, Hayley Knight, co-founder of BE YELLOW, who is visiting Chiang Mai with three of her friends to take part in the Songkran celebrations highlights the cultural, community-centric aspect of the festival. She says, It’s more cultural here, than in Bangkok, and they have many blessings and a beautiful parade, showcasing the many temples and community initiatives. It was so much fun, and I got absolutely drenched. Even the police get involved with water guns, it really is a community led experience and it’s amazing to see so many adults and children having fun and simply enjoying the festivities. We also got involved in the tradition of the clay paste (din sor pong), which is mixed with water, and applied to the body gently, as a blessing of cleansing and protection.”
Samantha Singh, Founder of Lushka Cosmetics, who experienced Songkran celebrations in Phuket with her family back in 2019 recalls it being an experience that people of all ages could enjoy. She says, “I travelled with my family, including three children aged 15, 10, and 8, and they had the time of their lives. The streets were full of people with water guns, and everyone joined in soaking each other. It was a remarkable and unforgettable experience, and so much fun for all of us.Our trip to Thailand had many highlights, but Songkran was definitely one of the most memorable.”
She further lauds the organisational aspect of the festival, adding, “The hotels were very well prepared, making sure guests understood the tradition and that the water celebrations are part of the fun and good luck—not something to be offended by.”
All the major pop-dance-thai-country music artists are now releasing a track on Songkran so people can blast it non stop for 4-5 days and have a real good time –Prim
The feeling of inclusivity is something that Hayley also highlights, saying, “One thing to add is that I loved when people would come up to us and put clay on our faces. It’s a mark of respect, and it made us feel truly part of it all, connected to the culture, and very welcomed. And regardless of the chaos, everyone was so respectful and friendly. I never felt overwhelmed or unsafe. And I love how everyone got involved, no one was mad about it. It was a fully inclusive experience.”
Aside from the cultural elements and community-led vibe, Songkran is also a complete party experience. Prim reveals, “All the major pop-dance-thai-country music artists are now releasing a track on Songkran so people can blast it non stop for 4-5 days and have a real good time.”
On the topic of inclusivity, Prim further notes, that in Thailand, which is typically queer friendly, the festival is also a “major gay event,” adding, “There is an area of Bangkok that is very well known for its gay bars. In Songkran it’s packed like shoulders to shoulders with queer people.”
And that seems to echo Hayley’s experience perfectly as she describes a “wild” time filled with dance, music and water fights. She says, “I watched the opening ceremony last night, which started after the parade featuring live music, DJs and games. The music and water fights will continue throughout today and tomorrow. We all danced well into the night, made lots of friends and I’m looking forward to doing it all again today and tomorrow.”
A festival marked by several intricate layers where cleansing, renewal and respect meets a pure, unfiltered and childlike good time, Songkran continues to be one of Thailand’s most anticipated festivals, where locals and tourists alike immerse themselves in enriching traditions and absolute joy all at once.
( Images courtesy of Jo and Jo Travel, Hayley Knight and Samantha Singh )
Ever visited Thailand during Songkran? Check out Lyrical Muse for more cultural coverage from around the world.
Leave a Reply